the holly - was spoken of as the male & the ivy as the female. the one that was first brought into the house would indicate which sex would rule the home that new year.
mislte toe - the most plausible explaintaion of the word "mislte toe" is that it is dervied from mistetan, meaning "different twig," since it grows on oak trees as a simi parasitic and constasts them with huge,dense, light -green growth. in ancient birtain it was the sacred plant of the druids, the archdruids and his priests performing elaborate ceremonies aroundit at the winter solstice. because of the pagan association it has not been sanctioned by the church for decorations, but is very commonly found in the home. "give me a kiss" is its meaning in the language of love - flowers. it hangs in doorways or under chandeliers, each lad claims a kiss from the girl who happens to be under it, removing a berry and giving it to the girl. when all the berries are taken, no more kisses are available. probably this custom is a survival of early marriage rites.
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