TED Talks Daily Why do we kiss under mistletoe? | Carlos Reif
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Dec 25, 2024 Ever wondered why we kiss under mistletoe? This discussion dives into its fascinating origins and the cultural myths surrounding the tradition. Explore how historical beliefs shape romantic customs, and discover the intriguing biology of mistletoe itself. The intertwining of mythology and ecology adds a unique lens to this holiday staple, revealing why it has endured through the ages.
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Mythology and Biology
- Mistletoe's festive tradition blends mythology and biology.
- Ancient cultures wove mistletoe into legends due to its unique growth.
Baldr and Frigga
- Frigga, in Scandinavian legend, overlooked mistletoe when protecting her son Baldr.
- Loki exploited this, killing Baldr with a mistletoe arrow.
Mistletoe's Parasitic Nature
- Mistletoe isn't just a decoration; it's a partly parasitic plant.
- It uses haustoria (modified roots) to draw resources from host trees.