MERRY CHRISTMAS TO OUR READERS

The Waterville Historical Society and those of us who try to fill this space with entertaining but historically accurate stories wish all of our readers a very Merry Christmas and a happy, prosperous and healthy New Year. For those of you who have included Mistletoe in your Christmas decorations (or those who wish they had) let me include some information about this lovely plant, borrowed from the December 20, 1978 issue of the Anthony Wayne Herald.

Mistletoe, first of all, is a parasitic plant. It grows in certain hardwood trees where it draws nourishment and moisture from its host. A severe infestation can kill the host tree. It does have chlorophyll in its leaves, so it remains green and is capable of producing some of its own food. Since the ancient people couldn’t figure out how this rootless plant could survive they figured the plant must have magic powers. Many superstitions and myths have developed around Mistletoe over many generations of many cultures. It was thought to have curative powers, to be an antidote for poison, to ward off evil and even to aid conception for barren women. The ancient Druids and Celts considered the plant to be sacred and only a priest could harvest the plant. A kiss under the mistletoe may date way back to Norse mythology which dedicated the plant to the goddess of love. So my friends, in this season and in these times we need all the love we can muster so let’s hang more mistletoe --- or love one another with or without a magic plant. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.