The origins of kissing under the mistletoe, a plant that often bears white berries, are often traced to a tale in Norse mythology about the god Baldur . In the story, Baldur’s mother Frigg casts a powerful magic to make sure that no plant grown on earth could be used as a weapon against her son.
Who invented the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe?
The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe started in ancient Greece , during the festival of Saturnalia and later in marriage ceremonies, because of the plant’s association with fertility. During the Roman era, enemies at war would reconcile their differences under the mistletoe, which to them represented peace.
Which country does the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe originate?
The UK tradition of kissing under the mistletoe is thought to have started in the 1700s, but it became much more popular throughout the 1800s. The Victorians especially became big fans of puckering up under the plant – and it’s stuck ever since!
How did mistletoe become associated with Christmas?
How did mistletoe become synonymous with Christmas kissing? The Druids started it. ... In some versions of the tale, Frigga’s tears then turned into mistletoe berries , which brought Baldur back to life, prompting Frigga to declare mistletoe a symbol of love.
Why do we kiss with tongue?
It’s also been shown that men kiss to introduce sex hormones and proteins that make their female partner more sexually receptive. Open mouth and tongue kissing are especially effective in upping the level of sexual arousal, because they increase the amount of saliva produced and exchanged.
Who started kissing?
The Romans were the ones who popularized kissing, spreading the practice to most of Europe and parts of North Africa. “They were devoted ‘kissing’ missionaries,” Bryant said. For them, a kiss wasn’t just a kiss. There was the osculum, which was a kiss of friendship often delivered as a peck on the cheek.
Does mistletoe mean poop on a stick?
Ancient observations of the poop-on-a-stick origins of the plant led to its name “mistletoe,” or mistiltan in Old English, derived from the Anglo-Saxon words mistel, meaning “dung,” and tan, meaning “twig.” Mistletoe has been part of European winter traditions since long before the first Christmas.
Why do we kiss with our eyes closed?
People close their eyes while kissing to allow the brain to properly focus on the task in hand , psychologists have said. ... The tactile response was measured by responding to a small vibration applied to one of their hands. An analysis found people were less responsive to the tactile sense as their eyes did more work.
What does mistletoe stand for?
Historically, mistletoe represents romance, fertility, and vitality . Because nothing says love like bird feces and poison. But seriously, the Celtic Druids valued mistletoe for its healing properties and likely were among the first to decorate with it.
What should you remove after kissing someone under the mistletoe?
According to the tradition, it’s bad luck to refuse a kiss beneath the mistletoe. After the kiss, the couple is to pluck one of the berries from the plant . Once all the berries are gone, the bough no longer has the power to command kisses.
What is the myth of mistletoe?
In the Norse culture, the Mistletoe plant was a sign of love and peace . The story goes that the goddess, Figg lost her son, the god Baldur, to an arrow made of mistletoe. After his death, she vowed that Mistletoe would kiss anyone who passed beneath so long as it was never again used as a weapon.
Is mistletoe a poisonous plant?
Most experts say that all parts of the plant can be toxic , though it is the berries that are particularly dangerous. ... Other studies have found similar effects, suggesting that while mistletoe can be toxic, its lethal reputation is not quite deserved. THE BOTTOM LINE. Mistletoe is not deadly.
What makes a bad kisser?
You get too intense too quickly
If you’re launching yourself at your partner, expecting an intense make-out session right away, you’re probably going to be labeled a bad kisser, said sex expert Antonia Hall. Make sure you lead with your lips and keep the tongue action to a minimum, at least at first.
What happens if we kiss during periods?
Kissing zaps cramps and headaches
“Kissing is great if you have a headache or menstrual cramps,” says Demirjian. You may be inclined to wave away advances when you’re curled into an achy ball, but the blood-vessel dilation brought on by a good long smooching session can really help ease your pain.
Is tongue kissing healthy?
Passionate kissing can lead to firming the face, especially its bottom half.” While a “simple” kiss burns only a calorie or two, tongue kissing uses all the muscles in your face and can burn up to 26 calories per minute .
What’s the longest kiss?
- A Thai couple has sealed a new record for the longest kissing, after locking lips for 46 hours, 24 minutes.
- The Guinness World Records still have to verify the latest “kissathon” for it to become official.
