The kiss is the universal symbol of romanticism. An endless amount of songs, movies, books, gossip, secrets, and traditions celebrate kissing. A kiss represents an intimate gesture shared between two people, and this intimacy is only amplified when the holiday season arrives. Perhaps it’s due to the year coming to an end, that couples appreciate the special person in their lives. Or maybe it is brought on by the romance of snuggling close to someone during the cold winter months. Whatever it is, ‘tis the season to be kissing!
Two simple holiday kisses come with century-long traditions trailing behind them. Kissing under the mistletoe is often associated with the excitement and risk of being caught under this leafy green plant with the crush you’ve been chasing all year. On the other hand, the New Year’s kiss feels safer and more public, whether it be a quick peck on the cheek or a more *ahem* lengthy smooch. These kisses both have histories and twists which may make you reconsider why you are kissing where you are kissing.
Mistletoe is primarily associated with Christmas and romantic kisses during the holiday season. It turns out, mistletoe is a partial parasite, meaning it selfishly takes up nutrients from other plants, according to the Holiday Spot website (theholidayspot.com). Mistletoe can be seen penetrating trees all over the world, including right here at UC High. According to Science Teacher Sandra Mann, a tree just south of the office on the UC High campus has a bushel of mistletoe streaming off of it, stealing nutrients from the tree that hosts it. Ironically, the plant symbolizing mutual love and romance is a selfish parasite that puts its own needs before those of others, a frequent criticism of failed high school romances.
The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe was originally associated with Greek festivals. Some believed it would grant them fertility, while others were sure the soil from which mistletoe grew possessed “life-giving” power. A kiss under the mistletoe used to be interpreted as a promise of marriage and an indication of happiness and a long life (theholidayspot.com). So girls, be careful who you kiss on Christmas, for legend has it you’ll marry and have a long life with this person. The legend, however, doesn’t predict whether it is the happiness or the marriage to your future spouse which will make your life seem long.
Celtic and Nordic cultures believed mistletoe had magical and medicinal properties according to the Buzzle website. Bickering couples were to kiss and make up under the mistletoe, so their arguments would be put away. On a scientific note, the seeds of mistletoe can only germinate after they have passed through the digestive system of a bird. Ancient Celtics noticed how mistletoe would fall from the air, mixed with the feces of birds. Therefore, they named the plant “mistle,” which means “feces,” and “toe,” which came from “tan,” meaning twig (buzzle.com). So your romantic parasite not only lives off of other plants, but came from the poop of birds. How romantic.
Although the New Year’s kiss is not associated with a plant, it still has ancient roots and meanings. The ancient Romans celebrated the new year with a large party and would kiss guests surrounding them as much as possible, according to the Kissing Matters website. Later, the English and German welcomed the new year by kissing the first person in sight after the bell struck 12 (kissingmatters.com). So, either run around kissing as many people as you can, or kiss the first person who pops up, even if that person is a complete stranger.
The New Year’s kiss was said to strengthen the bonds of your relationship in the following year (kissingmatters.com). However, perhaps more interesting than the history of the New Year’s kiss is the fanaticism of the need to kiss someone on New Year’s today in the United States. According to the Washington Times, “More than two-thirds of Americans expect to share a New Year’s kiss with somebody.” What’s even more, “More people will kiss their pet at midnight than will kiss a friend” (washingtontimes.com). Apparently, if you’re dying to get that kiss as the bell strikes 12, it’s better to get a hairy kiss from your dog than to ask a friend for a little favor.
Regardless of historical or interpretive meanings, many people look forward to smooching under the mistletoe or watching the midnight proposals and kisses in New York City on New Year’s Eve on their television screens. A kiss is meant to be a mutual exchange of love or desire between two. If spicing it up by smooching under a parasite or kissing your dog is what you desire, then go for it. Heck, why not trap that special someone under that tree up by the counseling office?