Jason Elmer Hammond

“ From the old Scandinavian myth comes the custom of the mistletoe kiss at Yule-tide. The plant must be hung from the ceiling that it may not touch the earth, The kiss is to prove that it is not used for evil purposes, but for peace and love. This mistletoe, once so venerated, so sacred, has earned a conspicuous place among our Christmas evergreens. ”

“ During this season of the year many of our English steamers have among their freight great quantities of mistletoe. This bit of Christmas beauty from Merrie England will pass the custom-house without charge, and add its beauty to our Christmas evergreens. No evergreen is more famed in story or more celebrated in song. Its opposite fleshy leaves and beautiful pearl-like berries have long been held in high reverence. Among the earliest myths of the mistletoe is that from the Scandinavians:—
Balder, a great God, was warned in dreams that his life was in danger. ”