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Mistletoe
 | Mistletoe is a symbol for peace and joy. This idea originated in the ancient times of the Druids. Whenever enemies met under mistletoe in the forest, they had to lay down their arms and observe a truce until the next day. |
From this came the custom of hanging a ball of mistletoe from the ceiling and exchanging kisses as a sign of friendship and goodwill.
In the 18th Century, these kisses between a man and a woman were considered a promise to marry. At Christmas a young lady standing under a ball of mistletoe couldn't refuse to be kissed. It was believed that if the girl remained unkissed, she wouldn't marry the following year.
Mistletoe Legend
When Balder, the son of the Norse goddess Frigga, was killed by an arrow made of mistletoe by Loki, an evil spirit, she wept tears of white berries which brought him back to life. Overjoyed, Frigga blessed the plant and bestowed to kiss all who passed beneath it.
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