101 



ation seems a mystery. "Why Eoger claims the privilege to 

 kiss Margery under the Mistletoe at Christmas," says the learned 

 Editor of Notes and Queries, "appears to have baffled our Anti- 

 quaries." Brand states that this Druidic plant never entered our 

 Bacred edifices but by mistake, and consequently assigns it a 

 place in the kitchen, where, says he, it was hung up in great 

 state with its white berries, and whatever female chanced to stand 

 under it, the young man present either had a right, or claimed 

 one, of saluting her, and of plucking off a berry at each kiss. 

 Kares, however, makes it rather ominous for the fair sex not to 

 be saluted under the famed Viscum Album. He says the custom 

 longest preserved, was the hanging up of the bush of Mistletoe 

 in the kitchen, or servants' hall, with the charm attached to it, 

 that the maid who was not kissed under it at Christmas, would 

 not be married in that year." (Ists., Volv. p. 13.,) Mr.SniBLEV 

 HiBBEED thinks this account altogether unsatisfactory "would it 

 not be more reasonable" he says "to refer it to the Scandinavian 

 mythology, wherein the Mistletoe is dedicated to Priga, the Yen us 

 of the Scandinavians." (Ibid p. 208.) It seems rather doubtful 

 whether this custom would be likely to originate in any deduc- 

 tion from "reason" at aU; and I am quite sure the privilege could 

 not rightly be claimed on Christmas Day. The only other sugges- 

 tion that offers itself is, that tradition should have handed down this 

 pleasant ceremony from the New-year's day festivities of Druid- 

 ical times. If it be not so, where history is sUent, and anti- 

 quaries at fault, we are only left to suppose the present existence 

 of some mutual attraction— given, the feasting and festivities be- 

 low stairs— and the conduct of Roger and Margery seems natural 

 enough. * 



* Hone, in his " Every Day Book," relates a discussion whicli took 

 place at a Christmas partv, as to wliicli might be the great and crowning 

 glory of Christmas festivity. One said "mince pie"; another said "beef 

 and plum pudding" ; some said "wassailbowl" ; but a fair maiden blush- 

 iugly suggested "the Mistletoe. " ( N otes and Queries Vol. \i.) 



" But when Mistletoe is not to be obtained" says Halliwell "the kissing, 

 bunch," a garland of evergreens, ornamented with ribbons and oranges, 

 may be substituted for it at CLii&lmas." (Ibid ) 



