Who Named the Plant Mistletoe?
The word mistletoe is just as old as the plant itself. In the days before scientific categorization, it was observed that the mistletoe plant often seemed to pop up on branches where birds had left droppings. Many point to the old Anglo-Saxon words “mistel,” meaning dung, and “tan,” meaning twig, as the source of the name. While the thought of dung on a twig doesn’t sound related to a Christmas kiss, the quaint custom of hanging mistletoe remains a holiday favorite. Add some mistletoe to your festivities and enjoy the romance that blossoms.
