Kissing under the mistletoe has long since been a custom observed in the United States.  It is used primarily as a Christmas decoration.  Mistletoe is to be hung in a doorway.   It is customary that any two people who meet under the hanging greenery are supposed to stop and kiss.  This custom originated in England in the 18th Century.

According to custom, mistletoe must never touch the ground and it should be the last of the Christmas greens to be removed from the house.  In the Roman Catholic Church, mistletoe remains until Candlemas.  Candlemas is also known as the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin.  The Feast is celebrated on February 2nd and is the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary.

A Christian tradition says that mistletoe was once the tree that furnished the wood that was used for the cross that crucified Jesus Christ.  It is taught that once the tree was cut, it shriveled and was reduced to a parasitic vine.

Many years ago Mistletoe was left hanging year round.  The belief was that it would protect your house from lightning and fire until it was replaced the following Christmas Eve.

Mistletoe is a parasitic vine that cannot survive without a host tree.  Sometimes the vine grows so large that the tree will die, but most times, it will just stunt the trees growth.  Many animals feed on the berries, vines and leaves and it has become a vital food source for them in many regions.

At times, people confuse mistletoe with holly.  Both plants stay green year round and both produce red berries.

There are many Christmas songs nowadays referring to mistletoe.  Some you might recognize are “Holly Jolly Christmas”, “Chestnuts Roasting By An Open Fire” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”.