IllinoisFarmBureau

We’ve used mistletoe as an excuse to steal holiday kisses for centuries, but do you know the origin of the well-loved tradition?

In the Middle Ages, mistletoe was regarded as a sacred plant that warded off evil spirits. Kissing under its branch began in the early 17th century, when people believed it would mend broken hearts.

You can find mistletoe growing wild, usually living in the branches of oaks, elms and poplars.