 Mistletoe is actually a vascular plant parasite with a root-like system embedded in its host to extract food and water. Perhaps then, the fact that we choose to hang it from our ceilings at Christmas time and snog each |
other beneath it is some kind of metaphor for the parasitic life-sucking nature of dependent relationships? Alternatively, it may stem from the ancient Druid belief that mistletoe ensures fertility and protects against the ill effects of witchcraft and the custom for enemies who met beneath the mistletoe to lay down their weapons and call a truce. ID |
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