To most of us, the word parasite, conjures up negative feelings. We see parasites as despicable things that cling to other living beings, sucking life out of them in order to insure their own survival. Usually, a parasite brings out in us the desire to eradicate and destroy every last trace of it. Mistletoe, even though we know it is a parasite, somehow, seems different.
When we hear the word Mistletoe, most of us tend to think, not of parasites, but of Christmas. A number of interesting myths have developed about this unusual fungus over the years.
The Druids thought that Mistletoe was sacred because it grew without roots in the ground. Because of this, they assumed that it must have been planted by the gods.
At one time or another in history, Mistletoe has been credited with controlling epilepsy, apoplexy, palsy, tuberculosis, stroke, and nervous system disorders. While these marvelous powers of Mistletoe have never been proven, in recent times, Mistletoe has been used, in very small doses, by some homeopathic doctors to treat heart conditions and asthma, and is currently being studied by cancer researchers.
Another popular idea was that a piece of Mistletoe, laid against one’s head, would draw out corrupt humors. Others wore Mistletoe around their necks to ward off disease. Women thought wearing a garland of Mistletoe would help them to conceive. Even though the Mistletoe berries are, themselves, poisonous, a sprig worn on the clothing was said to protect the wearer against various poisons.
European farmers claimed milk didn’t sour as quickly around Mistletoe and that butter churned more easily. Thus, every farm had sprigs of mistletoe hanging in their cattle sheds.
In addition to help with fertility and health, Mistletoe was often used in amulets, bracelets and rings to protect the wearers against witchcraft. The Celts thought Mistletoe would protect the house from ghosts and make them speak to the household inhabitants. A piece of Mistletoe over the baby’s cradle would protect the baby from being stolen by fairies.
When Druid enemies met under the Mistletoe, it is said they had to lay down their weapons and call a truce until morning. The Druid priests offered pieces of Oak with Mistletoe growing on them along with two white bulls as a sacrifice to their pagan gods.
In olden days, twigs of Mistletoe with berries were hung to indicate that all past grievances and hatreds were forgiven. (That sounds like a custom that should be revived.)
Several myths claim to reveal the beginnings of the custom of kissing under the Mistletoe.
In a Norse myth, Mistletoe was said to be the sacred plant of Frigga, the goddess of love. When her son, Balder, dreamed of his death, Frigga rushed about seeking promises that her son would not die. Unfortunately, Balder’s enemy, Loki, tipped an arrow with Mistletoe and gave it to Hoder, the blind god of winter who killed Balder with it. He was brought back to life by his mother when she shed tears that turned into Mistletoe berries, so Frigga kissed everyone who passed under the tree on which it grew. From that time on, anyone who stood under the mistletoe would receive only a kiss; no harm could come to him.
An Anglo-Saxon legend of Freya, goddess of love, said men must kiss any young girl who stood under a sprig of Mistletoe hung from the ceiling. Another custom required all the Mistletoe in the house to be burned on Twelfth Night, or the couples who kissed under it will never marry.
Aenaes was supposed to have plucked a bough of Mistletoe at the gate to the underworld to help him make his way into the dark regions to speak with his father.
Several legends state that a kiss under the Mistletoe, exchanged by a couple in love, is a promise to marry. In some countries, it is a prediction of happiness and longevity.
One custom allows a boy to kiss a girl under the Mistletoe as long as he picks one berry each time he kisses her. When the berries were gone, the kissing must end.
However the custom of kissing under the Mistletoe came to be, it seems to be a very popular one so it will probably be around for some time to come.
A FEW FACTS ABOUT THE PARASITE, MISTLETOE
Parasites do survive by finding a host to live on. Oak is the most frequent host for Mistletoe, but Mistletoe has been found in more than a hundred other species of trees. When it attaches itself to the host tree, the roots of the Mistletoe penetrate the bark to enter the tissue of the tree where the water and nutrients are found. Although Mistletoe gets all of its water and minerals from the host tree, it contains chlorophyll which allows it to manufacture some nutrients needed for its growth.
A Mistletoe plant usually lives for eight to ten years, although some have been reported to have survived for more than one hundred years. The longer the Mistletoe is attached, the more the host tree weakens and declines in health.
Mistletoe berries are very poisonous so make sure young children or pets do not eat the berries if you use the plant as a decoration for Christmas festivities. Birds seem to eat the berries without any ill effect and the seeds are spread from tree to tree in this way.
In spite of the romantic notions about Mistletoe, it can become too abundant. Attempts to eradicate it often fail. Merely breaking off the parasite will control it temporarily, but it will almost always start growing new shoots from the roots left behind. Removing the plant before it matures enough to produce seeds is most effective. Removing whole, affected limbs of the tree will result in more lasting control. Chemicals are available to control mistletoe growth, but must be used sparingly to avoid damaging the host tree.
Yeah I know i copied and pasted all that you have me stumped Joe Paul 
I Hate Dialysis Message Board
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