Where did the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe originate?

Where did the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe originate from?

• Answer:

  Blessings. As far back as ancient Rome, couples used the kiss to seal a betrothal. Couples kissing under the mistletoe were assured of fertility and good fortune. The plant contains progesterone, the female sex hormone. A gentleman would pluck one berry for each kiss on a maiden's cheek. When the berries were gone, no more kissing. The word 'mistletoe' in Celtic means 'All-heal.' Celts believed it to heal the sick, make any living creature fertile, and bring good luck. Kissing Under the Mistletoe According to pagan traditions the god Loki in envy killed the handsome god Balder with a dart made from the mistletoe; all other plants having vowed not to harm Balder; the mistletoe, having been overlooked, was therefore used. According to this pagan tradition the mistletoe dart was plucked out of Balder's fatal wound and given to the goddess of love, Freya. From this, came the custom that a man may kiss a woman if he sees her under the mistletoe. Also in ancient times pagans would hang both the mistletoe and wreaths of holly in windows and doorways for their supposed curative and protective powers, to keep witches and evil spirits from entering. Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_did_kissing_under_the_mistletoe_originate#ixzz18KJWL900