 | Rod Baumberger
is a Fitness Specialist at Health Strategies/Life Strategies Foundation. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Fitness Management from Newman University. In addition to his other duties, Rodney is an education coordinator in pulmonary rehabilitation and is a senior initiative coordinator. You may reach Rodney at Health Strategies, (316) 651-8015, or at the facility at 551 N Hillside, Wichita, KS 67214. |
Diet & Nutrition
2005-11-01 16:19:00
Kissing under the mistletoe
: Where did the tradition of "kissing under the mistletoe" begin?
ANSWER: Kissing under the mistletoe is believed to be first associated with the Greek festival of Saturnalia and later with primitive marriage rites, which probably originated from two beliefs: one belief was that mistletoe holds the power to bestow fertility. The second belief was that the dung (which the mistletoe would also possess) offered "life-giving" power.The eighteenth-century English are credited with the origin of a "kissing ball", which may have led to the tradition of kissing under mistletoe. During the Christmas season, a young lady standing under a ball of mistletoe, brightly trimmed with evergreens, ribbons, and ornaments, cannot refuse to be kissed if approached by a suitor. Such a kiss could mean deep romance or lasting friendship and goodwill. If the girl remained unkissed, she could expect not to marry within the following year. Today, if a couple in love exchanges a kiss under the mistletoe, it is interpreted as a promise to marry, as well as a prediction of happiness and long life, and kisses can be exchanged under the mistletoe any time during the holiday season. Whether we believe in it or not, kissing under the mistletoe always makes for fun at Holiday celebrations.A couple of tips to keep your fresh mistletoe looking "kiss-worthy": make sure that you hang your mistletoe in a cool place away from heaters, cold drafts, and areas where cooking will take place. Mist it 2-3 times daily. Traditionally, a sprig of mistletoe, if cared for as described, will last throughout the New Year's Celebrations.
