Kissing under the mistletoe has long been a Christmas tradition. Thought to impart life and fertility on its possessor, it is also thought to be a protector against poison. Mistletoe is a culture of its own, its tradition reaching into the far rungs of many cultures and beliefs throughout history. But, what most people don’t know about this titillating shrub is that its etymological roots run rather deep in comedic definition as well as romantic and sexual tradition. So, how did its association with Christmas evolve? And more importantly, what makes us kiss under the mistletoe?

Tradition is the key urge here. Much like a muscle memory, culture is the basis of our nature. Mistletoe has been laced in magical traditions since 16th century European folklore. One might never have considered why they kiss under the mistletoe; “It’s tradition,” we’d say. But, is this institution truly a benefit to our sex lives? The answer is a resounding yes. Here’s why.

Mistletoe was especially sacred to ancient Celtic Druids who considered it the most magical, mysterious, and sacred of all the plants. On the sixth night of the moon, Druid priests would sacrifice white bulls. During this ceremony, they would cut mistletoe and it was thought that the retainers of this mistletoe would prosper in the following year; women would become more fertile and men more potent. As the ritual passed through the ages, it came to symbolize the emasculation of the old King by the energy and power of his successor.

Kissing under the mistletoe is first associated with the Greek festival of Saturnalia. It is derived from the Greek word Mist meaning “manure.” In Old Saxon, the word is Mistil, which means “dung” and Tan, which means “twig.” The common name of the plant, mistletoe, is derived from the ancient belief that mistletoe was propagated from bird droppings. This belief was related to the then-accepted principle that life could spring spontaneously from dung. The Greek believed that mistletoe had “life-giving power” because it was observed in ancient times that mistletoe would often appear on a branch or twig where birds had left droppings. So, mistletoe literally means "dung on a twig.”

Of course none of this negates the fact that mistletoe is a strong aphrodisiac. It goes without saying that if we were to shed the layers of myth, practice and parable surrounding "kissing under the mistletoe," we would find ourselves in the midst of a deep, mesmerizing and rich ancient erotica. Mistletoe has long been regarded as an aphrodisiac from a phallic and cultural standpoint. But, these myths may be supported by mistletoes’ possession of certain health benefits common in increased sexual appetite and drive, which would help explain its association with uninhibited sexuality.

In the early 16 th century, mistletoe was used to improve circulation and relax tight muscles. Mistletoe is also thought to be calming and can be used to treat mental and physical exhaustion. More importantly, it can prevent the hardening of the arteries by increasing circulation and blood flow. All these benefits are key factors in sexual satisfaction; together with an increase in blood flow, they are important to sexual fulfillment. Relaxation is the key to focused enjoyment and circulation is the key ingredient in an orgasm.

Kissing under the mistletoe as we know it in common Christmas and New Years celebrations today comes from a combination of many cultures and beliefs; from Greek festivals and pagan religious ceremonies to primitive marriage rites and the Scandinavian and British Christmas traditions. Christmas and New Years celebrate the birth of a new life, a new time, and a new era. They are also symbolic of a time of peace and new beginnings. Kissing under the mistletoe is a promise of these new beginnings and life.

Mistletoe feeds off the nutrients of the plant or tree it attaches itself to by implanting its own roots into the trunk of its source. In the Middle Ages, this parasitic nature was thought to be an unbounded strength and therefore branches of mistletoe were hung from ceilings to ward off evil spirits. In Europe, they were placed over houses and stable doors to prevent the entrance of witches. At Christmas time, bunches of mistletoe were given to the first cow that calved in the New Year, which was thought to bring good luck and continued fertility to the herd. In Scandinavia, it is considered a plant of peace, under which enemies, namely warring spouses, could declare a truce and kiss.

But, yuletide revelers will be happy to note that mistletoe has long been thought to cure illnesses, once served as an antidote against poison, seemed to ensure fertility, and protected against the ill affects of witchcraft. But this list has recently been added to and the medical and sexual benefits tested and proven. Iscador, a brand name extract made from mistletoe, is used in the treatment of breast cancer, used most famously by Suzanne Somers. Although this fact does not support its claim to sexual stimulation, the reasons it is used do. Misltetoe extract is thought to boost the metabolism, which increases the health of the body and bring back life and energy. People who use Iscador as a daily vitamin extract claim to have a better sexual appetite, supported by increased energy and a more sound sleep. Its medicinal properties back up its mystical background and its claim to having aphrodisiac powers. Myths and folklore aside, how’s that for sexual health?

The European mistletoe is a parasite that infects apple and oak trees and thus in winter stands out in brilliant green against its leafless hosts. This evergreen nature, and the fact that the plant seems to emerge seedless from bird dung, prompted ancient peoples' regard for it as a symbol of fertility, endurance and strength.

Its phallic nature as an aphrodisiac stems also from its own fertility rituals as a plant organ. Mistletoe is thought among many scientists to be the most aggressive of the self- propagating plants, sending out its pollen prematurely and has the only water-pump ejection system. In other words, the male mistletoe’s pollen tube grows through the young flower, reaching the area where the egg is going to be long before the egg even develops. Then after a gestation period, a seed is ejected from the plant up to 20 meters.

So, continue those kissing Christmas traditions. Hang a sprig from every door if you dare and supplement your diet with a little mistletoe sex juice. But be careful what you wish for and whom you kiss this Christmas season. In many parts of England, the person you kiss under the mistletoe is thought to be the person you will marry in the following year. In fact, Christmas mistletoe is burned on the 12th night to prevent all the boys and girls who have kissed under it from marrying. So, this Christmas season kiss all you want; just remember to kiss wisely.