A plant with small white berries that grows on tree branches, traditionally hung as decoration during Christmas to encourage kissing.
From Old English 'misteltan,' combining 'mistel' (the plant itself) and 'tan' (twig). The word's origins are unclear but may relate to German 'Mist' meaning 'dung,' since mistletoe seeds often spread through bird droppings.
Mistletoe is actually a parasitic plant that feeds on trees—it's basically a vampire plant! The Christmas kissing tradition comes from ancient Norse mythology where it symbolized peace, and people brought it indoors to protect themselves from evil.
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