When the Druid priests went into the forest to collect mistletoe, it was customary for the people of the town to decorate their hair with evergreen and solemnly follow behind. Mistletoe means “All Heal.” The Celts believed the Mistletoe possessed healing power. They also thought that it housed the soul of the tree.


(Druids Cutting the Mistletoe on the Sixth Day of the Moon, by HENRI PAUL MOTTE)

Following the Winter Solstice, the Druids held a special ceremony for fives days after the new moon. They would cut the boughs of the Mistletoe from the sacred Oak tree that had golden sickle. They would not let the branches touch the ground for if it did, it would no longer be sacred.

The priests would divide the boughs into sprigs and give them to their people. This was to protect them form storms and evil spirits. A sprig placed in a baby's cradle would protect the child from faeries. It was said that one that kissed under the mistletoe would have good luck, and those that avoided being kissed would not.

The Druids believed that the mistletoe could cure illnesses. They believed it to be an antidote to poisons, ensure fertility and protect against witchcraft.

When enemies met under the mistletoe in the forest they would lay down their weapons and a truce would be formed until the next day. This may be where the idea of hanging the mistletoe from the ceiling, and exchanging kisses under it, as the sign of friendship and goodwill.

Even if the pagan significance has been long forgotten, the custom of exchanging a kiss under the mistletoe can still be found in many European countries, United States and Canada.

In France, the custom to kiss under the mistletoe is for New Year’s Day. “Au gui l’An neuf”: Mistletoe for the New Year.

Today, a kiss beneath the mistletoe can be exchanged anytime during the holiday season.