MistletoeMistletoe is a semiparasitic plant, and its peculiar growth habit made it a holy plant in the West. The Celtic people noticed that this plant feeds only on very particular hosts - for instance, the oak tree. This plant is neither tree nor bush and its leaves are always green. The fruit ripens during the winter. It needs light to germinate, but grows best in darkness and in the vicinity of water, never becoming waterlogged. Mistletoe follows its own destiny and is very different from the ordinary world that surrounds it. It seems to be connected to a more mystical plane of existence. Celtic people followed a very specific ritual when harvesting this plant. Taking the phases of the moon into consideration, white-clothed Druids cut mistletoe with a golden sickle during sacred ceremonies and wrapped the mistletoe in white cloth. Afterwards a steer was sacrificed, and the mistletoe was presented to the gods. The plant was believed to heal every known sickness and prevent infertility in man and beast. Mistletoe has been proven to lower blood pressure. It is also a diuretic. Anthrosophical medicine (Rudolf Steiner) uses substances from mistletoe for cancer prevention. Because of its evergreen leaves, the plant also became a symbol of immortality. The thick juice of its berries was supposed to have rejuvenating powers. In some countries, mistletoe is suspended above the entrance door during the Christmas season, when the berries are ripe. It is supposed to bring good fortune to the people in the home. Legend has it that kissing under mistletoe will bring good fortune for lovers, but anybody can be kissed without repercussions when caught standing under the mistletoe. Application:
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