Why We Kiss Under Mistletoe: The Surprisingly Weird Origin Story

Kissing under the mistletoe is one of the most charming and romantic holiday traditions—but its backstory is far stranger than most people realize. From ancient mythology to medieval superstitions, this little festive plant has traveled through centuries of symbolism, mystery, and magic.

Today, we’re diving deep into the weird origin story of why we kiss under the mistletoe and how it became a staple of modern Christmas celebrations.

The Ancient Roots: Mistletoe Was Once Considered a Magical Plant

Long before mistletoe became a cue for holiday romance, ancient civilizations believed it held mystical powers. The plant grows high in trees without seeming to touch the ground, which led early observers to view it as otherworldly. In fact, the Celtic Druids thought mistletoe contained life-giving energy because it stayed green when everything else around it died in winter.

To them, it symbolized:

• Protection from evil spirits
• Fertility and healthy harvests
• Healing powers for sickness and even poison
• Peace between enemies

This idea of mistletoe as a life-restoring plant ended up playing a major role in one of the earliest myths behind the kissing tradition.

The Norse Myth of Baldur: A Mother’s Tears and a Symbol of Love

The most famous—and strangest—origin story comes from Norse mythology. According to legend, Baldur, the god of light and joy, was beloved by all. His mother, Frigg, wanted to protect him from harm and persuaded every plant, animal, and object to promise not to hurt him.

Well, almost every object.

She overlooked one tiny plant: mistletoe.

The trickster god Loki discovered this loophole and used an arrow made of mistletoe to strike Baldur dead. Heartbroken, Frigg cried tears that became the plant’s white berries. When Baldur was later resurrected, Frigg declared mistletoe a symbol of love—not death—and vowed to kiss anyone who passed beneath it.

This myth is one of the earliest recorded links between mistletoe and kissing, although the story is much darker than the cheerful holiday moments it inspires today.

Mistletoe as a Symbol of Fertility (Yes, It Gets a Little Awkward)

Beyond mythology, mistletoe also gained romantic associations because of its unusual appearance and reproductive behavior. The plant stays lush and green during winter, when everything else is barren. Its pearly white berries were also viewed as symbols of fertility—though the resemblance to certain bodily fluids didn’t go unnoticed in ancient times (let’s just say historians don’t shy away from pointing that out).

For these reasons, in many ancient European cultures, mistletoe became connected to courtship, romance, and ideas of renewal or “new life.” This symbolism created fertile ground (pun intended) for future kissing traditions.

Medieval Traditions: From Peace Offering to Holiday Romance

During the Middle Ages, mistletoe continued its transformation from magical plant to social ritual. In some regions, warring parties would declare temporary peace if they happened to meet under a mistletoe plant in the forest. This tradition became known as a “kiss of peace.”

By the 1700s, households in England began hanging mistletoe during winter celebrations. Young men were allowed to kiss women caught underneath it—a practice that could continue as long as berries remained on the branch. When all the berries were plucked, the kissing had to end.

Awkward? Yes. But it stuck around.

How Victorians Made Mistletoe Kissing a Holiday Staple

If there’s one group we can thank (or blame) for the mistletoe tradition becoming mainstream, it's the Victorians. Known for their strict manners but surprisingly sentimental holiday customs, they embraced mistletoe as a playful way to break social tension.

Victorian Christmas parties featured elaborate mistletoe “kissing balls,” and the rules of courtship at the time made even a brief kiss feel both daring and romantic. The tradition spread quickly through British upper society and eventually across the Atlantic to America.

By the 19th century, mistletoe kissing had become a holiday norm—not just for couples, but for anyone feeling festive.

Modern Pop Culture: Mistletoe Goes Hollywood

Today, mistletoe is everywhere during the holiday season, from shopping mall decorations to your favorite Christmas movies. Pop culture amplified the romantic narrative, making mistletoe kissing a classic scene in films like Love Actually and countless Hallmark movies.

Even musicians got in on the fun. Justin Bieber’s hit song “Mistletoe” turned the tradition into a Gen Z anthem, ensuring its relevance for yet another generation.

Despite its ancient beginnings, mistletoe kissing remains a symbol of connection, joy, and shared moments—something we could all use a little more of during the holidays.

Is Mistletoe Dangerous? (Fun Fact: Yes!)

For all its romantic charm, mistletoe is actually poisonous if eaten. The berries can cause stomach issues for pets and children, and some varieties are more toxic than others.

So remember: mistletoe is great for kissing, not for snacking.

Why the Tradition Still Matters Today

Even though most people no longer believe in its magical powers, mistletoe still represents themes that resonate with us:

• Love and affection
• Peace and reconciliation
• Connection during the darkest time of year
• A reminder to pause and appreciate loved ones

In a season full of hustle and holiday chaos, stopping for a kiss—no matter how silly—can bring warmth to the winter.

Final Thoughts: A Strange Tradition With a Sweet Message

The story behind kissing under the mistletoe is a fascinating blend of ancient beliefs, mythology, and evolving cultural traditions. What began as a symbol of protection and fertility became a romantic gesture that continues to bring people together today.

So the next time you find yourself under a sprig of mistletoe, remember: you’re participating in a tradition thousands of years in the making—and one with a surprisingly bizarre and magical backstory.

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