Baldur was the god of light and spring, purity and beauty. He was the son of Frigga, the Norse goddess of love and marriage. Baldur was often disturbed by dreams that his life was in danger. To protect her son, Frigga went about the land demanding promises from all the other gods and all the natural elements such as, fire, water, air and earth not to harm her son. But, in her haste, she forgot to speak to the mistletoe, which was considered too puny and insignificant to do him harm. Baldur had one enemy, Loki, a god known for causing evil toward his fellow gods. When he heard that the mistletoe was ignored, he ordered another god to hurl a mistletoe dart into Baldur's heart, killing him. Baldur's mother was heart-broken and cried many tears. Her bitter tears fell onto the mistletoe causing pearl-like berries. Because Frigga was liked by many gods, her plea for her son to come back to life was answered. She was so delighted that she went about the 
land kissing everyone under the white berries. She then declared that the mistletoe would never again be used as a weapon and said, "All who stand beneath the mistletoe must kiss in friendship and peace." It is said the myth of the mistletoe spread throughout the land, and whenever enemies met under it, they laid down their weapons and declared a truce. There were many beliefs associated with the mistletoe. In ancient times, it was believed to be sacred, to have come from heaven, possessing mystic powers because it grew without roots and never touched the ground. It was also considered as a giver of life and protector against disease and poison. The plant was believed to encourage romance, to bring happiness and good luck, and to promote peace. Despite all these positive beliefs, the English church banned the mistletoe around 1600 because of its pagan superstitions. Some Christians believed that the mistletoe was originally a tree whose wood was used to make the cross on which Christ was crucified. It then shrank from shame into a parasite bush. In the late eighteenth century, people in England began using the mistletoe in their home Christmas decorations. The pagan customs were forgotten and the plant was associated with happiness, peace, and good luck. It was hung in doorways where guests would walk under it providing an opportunity to kiss for no reason!
land kissing everyone under the white berries. She then declared that the mistletoe would never again be used as a weapon and said, "All who stand beneath the mistletoe must kiss in friendship and peace." It is said the myth of the mistletoe spread throughout the land, and whenever enemies met under it, they laid down their weapons and declared a truce. There were many beliefs associated with the mistletoe. In ancient times, it was believed to be sacred, to have come from heaven, possessing mystic powers because it grew without roots and never touched the ground. It was also considered as a giver of life and protector against disease and poison. The plant was believed to encourage romance, to bring happiness and good luck, and to promote peace. Despite all these positive beliefs, the English church banned the mistletoe around 1600 because of its pagan superstitions. Some Christians believed that the mistletoe was originally a tree whose wood was used to make the cross on which Christ was crucified. It then shrank from shame into a parasite bush. In the late eighteenth century, people in England began using the mistletoe in their home Christmas decorations. The pagan customs were forgotten and the plant was associated with happiness, peace, and good luck. It was hung in doorways where guests would walk under it providing an opportunity to kiss for no reason!
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