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MISTLETOE
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant found on trees and shrubs in the south western
part of the United States. The plant derives all its nourishment (food
and water) from the trees and shrubs the vine grows on. Plants die out
during Illinois winters.
Plants bloom in summer and produce a white POISONOUS berry during the
winter months...which is why the plant is often used during the holiday
for decorations. Most firms will market the mistletoe with artificial berries
to avoid any potential lawsuits.
Historically, mistletoe was thought to cause fertility. Swedish herbalists
used the plant as a poison antidote.
Why is mistletoe used for kissing under? According to Nordic legends,
an arrow made of mistletoe almost killed Balder, some Freyja (Goddess of
Love and Beauty). Her grateful tears of joy turned into the mistletoe berries.
She, then, promised to bestow a kiss on anyone who passed beneath the mistletoe.
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