As you know, mistletoe grows on branches of other trees. It is what’s botanically considered a parasitic flowering plant - a plant that sends out roots to penetrate the tree and retrieve nutrients. It has small leathery leaves and yellow flowers. Its white berries are a delicacy for birds. Since the seeds of the berries are very sticky, the birds rub their bills on tree branches to clean them. That way the mistletoe is spread. Did you also know that mistletoe has been living on this planet for 135 million years?

300 B.C., the celts reigned in central and northern Europe. They believed that mistletoe had magical powers and that it would save them from witches if it was hung over house and stable doors.

The celts also considered mistletoe to be a symbol of freedom and friendship. They used to give twigs to neighbors as gifts and if two enemies met under a mistletoe they were supposed to hug and reconcile.

The mistletoe growing on oak trees was sacred to celtic druids, since it was very rare. It could only be cut by moonlight with a golden sickle.

And regarding the popular kissing under the mistletoe:
It was first found associated with primitive marriage rites. Today, the boy and girl who kiss under the mistletoe will be blessed with everlasting love. However, the twig has to be burnt by the 12th night after Christmas - the day of The Kings - or everlasting love will turn on you.

In the spirit of the season, kiss away!

Christmas will be here soon and this magical time of the year, during which we love to over decorate our houses, pick out Christmas trees, decorate with Poinsettia flowers and place Mistletoe at the right spot in the house. To get you in the mood I will introduce you to several of the most loved “flower icons” of Christmas - mistletoe, holly, poinsettias and of course Christmas trees. I am sure there are many facts and legends you haven’t heard of. One of those mythical flowers is the poinsettia, which I would like to start with today.

First a few facts:

- The beautiful red flower petals are really the upper leaves of the plant. The actual flower petals are small, yellow/white and almost invisible.
- The name Poinsettia is derived from Joel R. Poinsett, U.S. ambassador to Mexico, who introduced the plant to America in 1828.
- Poinsettias can be cut and arranged in flower bouquets. Unfortunately the do not last very long in the vase. I personally feel it is a shame to cut these beautiful flowers and let them to die after just a couple days. Instead enjoy them as a plant for weeks and weeks, sometimes even months.

Little Pepita, a poor girl from Mexico, did not have a gift to bring to baby Jesus at the local Nativity scene. On her way to the chapel, she bent down and picked a few grasses and leaves beside the road to make a small flower bouquet. Shyly and with tears in her eyes she entered the chapel. When she laid her gift by the crip, magically, the green grasses and leaves turned into, bright red star-shaped flowers. People surrounding the Nativity set talked about a miracle. From that day on they were called “Flores de Noche Buena” – “Flowers of the Holy Night”. They have been blooming every Christmas since.

According to another legend, a trapper talked a Native American out of a plant and even cheated him out of some money. When the Native American realized that he was deceived, he cursed the trapper and said: “In the future, these leaves shall bear the color of your blood”…. And the green plant turned red.

Yet another legend tells us that Cuitlaxochitl was the favorite flower of the Aztec king Montezuma. He believed that the flower’s bright red petals were created with an Aztec goddess’ blood. She had died broken hearted, because her chosen one did not love her back. The legend even made it overseas, to Europe, where, at French courts, the flower was called “Etoile d’amour” – “Star of Love”.

More to come on “Christmas Flower Icons”. Stay tuned!

Flowers can be frequently and easily used as gifts. Whether you are invited to someone’s home or would like to send a thank you gift, flowers are always appropriate. However, you’d better pay attention to local customs and traditions, when giving gifts overseas or to visitors here, as the meanings of different flowers are not the same everywhere in the world.

In England for example, you can certainly bring flowers, when invited to a home, but stay away from white lilies as they signify death. As in England, in many other countries a particular color or type of flower is related with romance, weddings, or funerals. Typically, red roses are reserved for romantic gift giving. In general, never bring roses, as they are usually considered too personal, even if they are not red.

The following flowers can have a connection with funerals in certain ethnicities: lilies, chrysanthemums, white roses, marigolds, and carnations. In Italy for example avoid chrysanthemums. In Thailand however, it is marigold and carnations that are associated with funerals. Oh, and in Egypt, flower giving is even reserved for funerals and weddings only. Just Egyptians, who know about western traditions, will understand the gesture of flower giving for other occasions.

Now let’s get down to the numbers. In some countries it is customary to give an even number of flowers, in others odd numbers. In Europe, the old European tradition of always giving an odd number of flowers is still followed today, all except 13, which is considered unlucky. In Japan, ensure you are not giving the “bad luck” number of four and nine flowers per bouquet.

Potted plants are not appropriate to give as a gift in Asia. A plant symbolizes that your relationship is restricted or bound up in a negative way.

Now that you’re prepared for your next business trip to Asia or an invitation to your European neighbors, enjoy!