The History of Mistletoe

This came to me in an email from a florist shop in Phoenix. I thought you might enjoy knowing the history if you didn't already.

Since Victorian times, mistletoe has been a cherished Christmas decoration if only to provide the excuse for a kiss when hung in a prominent doorway.
The tradition of misletoe finds it's origin in pagan rituals. After the Winter Solstice, Druid priests cut mistletoe down from the Oak trees in a special ceremony.The priests separated the branches and distributed sprigs of mistletoe among the people to protect them from evil. The ancient Celts believed the plant held miraculous healing powers. In fact, the word "mistletoe" in Celtic means "All-Heal".

Scandinavian mythology holds that Baldur, god of peace was slain by Loki, god of destruction with an arrow made from mistletoe. Outraged by the injustice of Baldur s death the other gods and goddesses demanded his life be restored. As a token of thanks, Baldur s mother, Frigga, hung mistletoe and promised to kiss all who passed beneath it, thus establishing the symbolism of love, peace and forgiveness that is now associated with mistletoe.

The use of mistletoe as a romantic lure stems from England as early as the 1500s. In 1520, William Irving wrote that a young man should pluck a berry each time he kisses a young girl beneath the mistletoe. When all the berries are plucked off the mistletoe it no longer has romantic powers.

Mistletoe is an evergreen plant that lives throughout the southern United States, from the Atlantic Coast to California, and on every continent except Antarctica. Mistletoe is actually a parasitic plant, found high in the trees. It doesn't take root in the ground, but in the branches of tree itself. Although it gets all its nutrients by taking them from the tree, its presence keeps the tree green throughout the winter.

Even if the pagan significance has been long forgotten, the custom of exchanging a kiss under the mistletoe can still be found in many European countries, United States and Canada.

Happy Holidays,
Vicki

Nymph's - Which One Are You?

Over on eHarlequin, author Stephanie Draven, did a post on What kind of Nymph are you. Now this post was a few month's back (July 20th), but the quiz looked fun and her cover is great.

So with all the hussle and bussle (that's a nice way of saying holiday stress), I'm posting my nymph self below with the link to find out who your nymph self is.

Gotta say, it would be nice to look like that. :)

So, check it out and let us know who your nymph self is.

What Is Your Nymph Type? Land Nymph Land nymphs come in many varieties such as Auloniads (pastures), Leimakids (meadows), and Napaeae (mountain valleys, glens).

Click Here to Take This Quiz Brought to you by YouThink.com quizzes and personality tests.

Happy holidays,
Vicki

It's Cold and The Day Job is...Busy

Just thought I'd pop in and say hi. (I know, it's been way too long, but I'm going to work changing that).

Our Sunny Florida may still be sunny, but the weather is cold. Coat's and gloves cold. At least for those of us who live here. Those of you who live up north probably think this is nothing. :)

Work has been a bear to say the least. Normally this is the month were everything slows down, but this month...it's picked up to a crazy frenzy.

Science Guy and I have decorated the outside and inside of the house and it's so nice to go home and see the lights shinning from the street, then walk inside to see the tree and village. We're doing 'light' Christmas shopping this year, which surprisingly enough is okay. I'm finding that spending time with family and friends is the most important thing.

Oh and my son just got engaged to the most wonderful person. Welcoming her into the family has been great. I'm so excited for them both.

Writing. Hmmm...to be honest it's been tough for the past few months. The weekends have been busy and after 10 hour days turning on the computer when I get home has not been top of the list. Still, I've been hand writing. You know, with the whole paper and pen thing. Jotting down scenes that need to come next and that sort of stuff. Editing what's already written and then adding some new words as well. Not enough, but at least there is something.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season!

Hugs,
Vicki