The mistletoe is one of the most interesting of the parasite plants. It
grows on various trees, and is celebrated on account of the religious
purposes to which it was consecrated by the ancient Celtic nations of
Europe. It is a small shrub, with oblong, somewhat leathery leaves, and
small yellowish-green flowers, the whole forming a pendent bush, covered
in winter with small white berries, which contain a glutinous substance.
It is common enough on certain species of trees, such as apple and pear
trees, hawthorn, maple, lime, and other similar trees, but is very
seldom found on the oak. Its roots penetrate into the substance of the
tree on which it grows, and though it may live for forty years, it
finally kills the branch supporting it.
In days of old the mistletoe was looked upon with awe as a mysterious
and wonderful plant. The ancient Druids held it sacred, and cut it down
with a golden sickle with all sorts of strange, mystic rites. It was the
symbol of peace and friendship; and that is why we hang it up at
Christmas time, and when two people meet under its green leaves, they
are expected to “kiss and be friends.”