|
Eighth Century Viking Mistletoe History:
The early Vikings believed mistletoe had the power to raise people from the dead. This belief was brought about when Balder, the God of the Summer Sun, was resurrected.
Balder dreamed that he was going to die. His mother, Frigga, the goddess of love and beauty, was agitated about Balder’s dream. She proclaimed that if her son died everything on Earth would die also. Making sure that her son would not die, Frigga went to all the elements of earth and asked each of them all not to kill Balder. The Vikings now thought that Balder was immune from harm because of his mother's great powers. The children started to heckle, tease and often threw things at Balder since he could not be harmed because of his mothers meddling. Click to see all of these products Mistletoe, Christmas Greenery, Christmas Picks.
 One of Balder’s rivals, Loki, hated him and found a loophole in Balder’s mother’s request. The logic is that since the mistletoe plant attaches itself on trees and has no ground roots, it was not affected by Frigga's request. Loki planned a deadly plot and talked Balder’s brother, Hoder, who was blind, to shoot an arrow for him. The arrow struck Balder and killed him. Select to view our large Christmas Mistletoe Ball.
After hearing of Balder’s death, all the elements tried to bring him back to life. In Frigga's grief she cried and her tears dropped on the red mistletoe berries turning them white. Now that the berries were white and symbolize life, Balder rose from the dead. Frigga was overjoyed and rescinded the bad reputation of mistletoe. She also kissed everyone who walked underneath the mistletoe plant. Check out this 4 Inch Under The Mistletoe Kiss Ball for your celebration.
Mistletoe Miracle Worker Myth:
The Druids in Britain, in the 1st century, believed that miracles could be performed with the mistletoe plant. The belief was that it could heal diseases, provide fertility, control the weather and even protect people from witchcraft.
 The area we now know as England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland was ruled by Druid priests. More than 2,000 years ago they capitalized upon people’s fears that evil spirits were responsible for bringing about all bad things. Select to see all of our Christmas Decorations Ideas for the holiday season.
Five days after the winter solstice the Druids would cut mistletoe off oak trees in a special ceremony. The Druids believed that if mistletoe touched the ground it would be contaminated. They used a special stretched out white cloth to catch the falling mistletoe. The mistletoe growing on the sacred oaks was cut with a golden bladed knife. After the mistletoe was harvested, the priest would say a series of prayers over the mistletoe. At the end of the ceremony the leaves were given out. The people believed the mistletoe would keep them safe from storms and evil spirits. Make sure you are safe with this American Mistletoe The Plant.
Having a celebration? Check out our large selection of Holiday Lights and Decorative Party Lights to brighten up the celebration
|
