The tradition of mistletoe originated from Scandinavian custom and Norse myth. In Scandinavia, if enemies met under it, they would lay down their arms and declare a truce until the next day. Along with that, the Norse myth centered around Baldur is what caused mistletoe to be known as the kissing plant. Here is the myth according to: http://landscaping.about.com/cs/winterlandscaping1/a/mistletoe_2.htm.
I can remember being at a party in middle school where the mistletoe hung in the door frame. Being the romantic that I was, I created my own awesome party memory. I daydreamed about the cute guy pulling me aside, setting me under that special mistletoe ball, and kissing me senseless. Yeah, it didn't happen, but it was a great daydream!Baldur's mother was the Norse goddess, Frigga. When Baldur was born, Frigga made each and every plant, animal and inanimate object promise not to harm Baldur. But Frigga overlooked the mistletoe plant -- and the mischievous god of the Norse myths, Loki, took advantage of this oversight. Ever the prankster, Loki tricked one of the other gods into killing Baldur with a spear fashioned from mistletoe. The demise of Baldur, a vegetation deity in the Norse myths, brought winter into the world, although the gods did eventually restore Baldur to life. After which Frigga pronounced the mistletoe sacred, ordering that from now on it should bring love rather than death into the world. Happily complying with Frigga's wishes, any two people passing under the plant from now on would celebrate Baldur's resurrection by kissing under the mistletoe.
That little green ball sprinkled with white berries inspires hints of romance, awkward moments of flirty men and blushing women, and the breathless meeting of lips. It is prime time fun for romance writers!
Since I haven't written a scene with mistletoe, I'm sharing a favorite kissing scene from one of my favorite TV shows, Bones. It is a behind the scenes look at mistletoe at it's best! Enjoy!
Do you have a favorite Christmas mistletoe memory or kissing scene you'd like to share? Have you written one?
Sherrinda
18 comments:
Loved it! Loved it! Loved it! (love Bones)
Thanks for sharing :)
Ohhh, mistletoe...Haven't used it in a scene yet, but you may have just inspired me to, Sherrinda. :)
I LOVED this scene when it first aired on Bones. Pure and perfect romantic tension at its BEST!!! Thnx for sharing! :)
Never used it in a scene, but what a fun post, Sherrinda! Interesting origins. I never knew this came from mythology...
Lol, too funny! I love gag reels and behind the scenes looks at movies and shows. They sure did a good job going from laughing to serious scene! I don't know how actors do it.
I couldn't find any mistletoe anyway this year :( The Bones crew must have it all, haha.
Rebecca, I love Bones. The romantic ups and downs have been fun to watch.
Sarah, I haven't used mistletoe either, but I can sure imagine a good scene! Oooo-la-la!
Jaime, I missed this scene when it first aired, but have since gone back and watched it...over and over. ;)
Julia, isn't the background of certain traditions interesting? So often we have no idea how traditions start and it adds fun in the knowing.
Laura, I'm glad you liked it! It's one of my favorite scenes...such romantic tension. Surely you can scout up some mistletoe for some kissing fun!
I loved this clip! I've always been a fan of Bones. :) I don't think I've ever written a Christmas scene. Period. Maybe I should...
That was SO not a kiss you would give your brother. No way.
Wow! My hubby and I just discovered Bones, and I'm totally hooked. The tension between Bones and Booth is wonderful. We're back in season one. Can't wait to get to the episode with this scene in it. =)
I love Bones! (The most recent season has been a little sad though). I've seen that clip on YouTube, so cute.
Gia, I haven't written a Christmas scene, but mistletoe sure gets me in the mood to.
Casey, lolol...you are so funny. I would have to agree with you there. Definitely not a brother kiss.
Keli, You will enjoy Bones. The romantic tension between Booth and Bones is excellent!
Joy, yes, this recent season has been weird. I miss the easy relationship between the two.
Oh how cute! Love it!
And I LOVE writing Christmas scenes.
The clip was great, Sherrinda. I'm not a Bones watcher, but it was fun to watch.
Pepper, you silly thing! You love to write ANY scene! lol But I betcha you can write a really great mistletoe scene. ;)
I've NEVER written a mistle toe scene...but I'm going to find a way to put one in a book now :-)
(eye brows wiggling)
My current book begins at Christmas time, so I couldn't use the mistletoe in it. But I have a few ideas knocking around . . . ;-)
Kaye, I think opening a book with a mistletoe scene would be heavenly. My mind is whirling with the possibilities!
It's the little things that make a scene memorable. Look how many realize the fun of adding mistletoe to their stories.
Me too!
Way cool post.:)
Awww, Mary, thanks! I got a 'way cool'!!!! (((hugs)))
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