There are a variety of plants that are using during the holiday season. People have their own preferences, be it ivy, mistletoe, red flowered, yellow flowered Christmas plant etc. There surely is a wide range of plants to choose from. Some families may have their own special attachment or association with a particular plant and may prefer to use it during Christmas. Likewise, you may be totally fascinated by a certain legend attached to some plant that may make you buy that one. A kid of the family may be fascinated by a certain color of flower and may want you to buy that one. The plants have also entered the world of gift giving. The tradition of gift giving has become simple as people give out these plants too as Christmas presents.
Mistletoe the plant is an interesting plant that has been used extensively to give out as a gift on Christmas. Mistletoe is used as a parasitic plant which grows on the branches of a tree and has roots that penetrate the tree in order to take up nutrients. It can even grow on its own by producing its own food by photosynthesis. And of course when you think of “mistletoe” the first thing that comes to your mind is the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe branch which is associated with Christmas. This tradition was linked to the fertility factor and people believed it symbolized good fertility for the couple who kissed beneath this plant.
The different kinds of Mistletoe plants are Phoradendron flavescens which is Christmas Mistletoe of American origin and Ciscum album which of European origin. Earlier, it was thought to have magical powers by the Greeks and others and hence was used in folklore ceremonies. You can buy mistletoe by searching through directories, and it may even be available at eBay. Mistletoe pictures are available on these sites where you can choose which one you want and order. These pictures of mistletoe can even be enlarged and seen for a clearer view.
The history of Mistletoe is indeed very interesting. Mistletoe Tradition related to Christmas, i.e., the custom of kissing below the mistletoe branch dates back to the 17th century. According to a legend, the wood of Christ’s cross was made from mistletoe and due to that it was doomed to live as a parasite. But the ancient Druids used Mistletoe in an interesting way, if you wonder how did the druids use mistletoe? Then here’s the answer to your question: They believed it had magical and even healing powers!
The Druids believed mistletoe had sacred powers, and even used it in ceremonies involving human sacrifice. Mistletoe retained the fresh green color, and it became a symbol of fertility because of this. It was also hung over doorways in order to protect against the evil.
Since the Druids’ used the mistletoe, Christians banned the use of this plant in their churches. While sending out Christmas greetings today, people even use mistletoe clipart on their emails or even word documents since these days the mistletoe plant is quite popular as a Christmas gift. A mistletoe hat is used as a Christmas costume accessory. The mistletoe hat is red in color and has a green trim. It also has small bells at the tips.
Fresh Mistletoe will be delivered to your doorstep if you order online. Also, you can choose which one you want by simply going through the numerous directories available. Make Christmas special, give out mistletoe plants as gifts on this auspicious occasion.
