for imbuing the parasitic plant with romantic significance. Since mistletoe was able to blossom even in the cold winter months, the Druids connected mistletoe to that favorite symbol of ancient civilizations: fertility. Norse mythology also places mistletoe in a romantic context, with the goddess of love Frigg declaring it to be a symbol of love and making a vow to kiss anyone who passed beneath it.
In 1820, about holiday decorations including the mistletoe, with its white berries, hung up, to the imminent peril of all the pretty housemaids, thus enshrining Helixanthera schizocalyx in the pantheon of modern Christmas traditions. According to Irving, [Y]oung men have the privilege of kissing the girls under [mistletoe], plucking each time a berry from the bush. When the berries are all plucked the privilege ceases. How charming.
Beyond mistletoes icky history, it just reeks of desperation. In an age where were having enlightened conversations about consent, you shouldnt be relying on a hanging plant to help you score. No Christmas office party has been improved by a co-worker staring at you, cheekily raising his eyebrows, and then turning his gaze back to you as if to say, Hey, its Christmas...how bout it?
Even when mistletoe is used between two consenting adults, its not just cornyit's lazy. Have some self-respect!
So Im offering this simple phrase for kids from one to ninety-two: its time to cancel mistletoe, once and for all. Please, for the love of all things Kris Kringle, toss the mistletoe in the trash where it belongs this December. Literally nobody will miss it.