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The Druids considered the mistletoe to be a sacred plant and believed it had miraculous properties which could cure
illnesses, serve as an antidote against poisons, ensure fertility and protect against the ill effects of witchcraft.
Moreover, whenever enemies met under the mistletoe in the forest, they had to lay down their arms and observe a truce
until the next day. From this has seemingly come the ancient custom of hanging a ball of mistletoe from the ceiling and
exchanging kisses under it as a sign of friendship and goodwill.
Another version, however, says that this custom, which was widespread among the Anglo-Saxons, was connected to
the legend of Freya, goddess of love, beauty and fertility. According to legend, a man had to kiss any young girl who,
without realizing it, found herself accidentally under a sprig of mistletoe hanging from the ceiling.
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