h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Although the mistletoe is considered to be the seed of love, the common
name of the plant is derived from the ancient belief that mistletoe
grew from
bird droppings. This strange belief was related to the ancient
principle
that life could spring spontaneously from dung.

In ancient times, people observed that mistletoe appeared on a branch
or twig where birds had left droppings. "Mistel" is the Anglo-Saxon
word
for "dung," and "tan" is the word for "twig". So, mistletoe actually
means
"dung-on-a-twig". What a strange meaning for a plant that is supposed
to bring love and happiness!

In Scandinavia, mistletoe was considered a plant of peace, under which
enemies
could declare a truce or warring spouses kiss and make-up. Whenever
enemies met under the mistletoe in the forest, they had to lay down
their
arms and observe a truce until the next day.

Today's custom of using mistletoe to decorate houses at Christmas is a
survival
of European beliefs and traditions. In Europe, branches of mistletoe
were
hung from ceilings to ward off evil spirits. In some countries, they
were
placed over house and stable doors to prevent the entrance of witches

Hi Angel
The name of mistletoe is for the most part true.
Birds eat the berries and then the seeds come out in thier droppings. If the seed lands in the crook of a branch, where the tree has its weakest spot, the seed can germinate. It sends out tiny roots which can work thier way through the trees bark and into the layers beneath. Its parasitic and gets all it nutrients by tapping into the tree and basically feeding from the trees own food supply. Its fussy too. preferring apple trees to anything else.
Great stuff isn't it

Facinating Rhythummmm.... and I just had to say I truely do believe that Make-up is a waste of Days. Though the chameleon I am they say it suits me. Yuck!!! I hate the stuff.
Nice greetings here. I love flowers too.
Worlds of Love,
Joy (New friend of Jen's XXX Merry Christmas)

did you mean me?

Hello JLC

Hi Venus how you doing ?

I just thought it grew the way it was to i came across this story.
But who cares realy we all love the stuff