This page reflects on the association of mistletoe with Christmas over the last 200 years or so. (The kissing custom is discussed on the introduction page).

The association with Christmas is somewhat contradictory.  Mistletoe is still considered to be a pagan plant by the Church – and is often banned from Church decorations - so it is an odd species for close association with the major Christian festival.

The reason lies in the awkward mixture of traditions we draw on at Christmas and New Year, complete with remnants of ancient winter solstice customs.  The solstice use of evergreen plants has become a part of Christmas now, but the special traditions of mistletoe make it the most difficult to link to Christmas proper.

Despite this, the Christmas association is strong – these pages of Illustrated London News date from 1863, 1879 and 1897.  They demonstrate that mistletoe, and the kissing tradition, were a regular feature of Victorian Christmas – despite the Victorian Church.

 

During the First World War embroidered ‘silk’ postcards were sent from the Front at Christmas.   These often depicted mistletoe, emphasising the strength of the custom, and mistletoe's value both as a symbol of peace and as a message for loved ones.

 

 

 

 

 

Mistletoe has become an essential part of Christmas - and today we even use the mistletoe name for many seasonal products.  This bear is 'called' Mistletoe -  the tradition has effectively become a Christmas brandname.