Meet me under the Mistletoe...

If only ... if only just for a kiss, then standing under the mistletoe is more than one may bargain for.

This tradition, like many others, combines years of evolution and legend into a cute, love-driven moment during the season.

The legend and paganism surrounding the custom began as a fertility ritual.

The plant growing even in the dark months of the years become the symbol of fruitfulness. This spurred the Greeks to use mistletoe during the festival of Saturnalia. The belief in the power of the plant continued to prompt generations in its use in traditions.

As its popularity grew, the English picked it up in the 18th century. By then it had developed into a custom called a kissing ball.

At Christmas time the young ladies caught standing under the decorated ball of mistletoe could not refuse a kiss. The smooch was thought to mean great romance or lasting friendship.  If no one kissed the woman, she could not expect to be wed within the next year.

Other variations of the tradition existed, and with the pagan significance long forgotten, most Americans use it as a lighthearted folly with no strings attached—a simple kiss exchange.