Mistletoe is the delight of lovers but also the misfortune of trees …

Next Friday, many of you will no doubt have hung a ball of mistletoe (Viscum album) in the House. Tradition has it that we kiss each other at the stroke of midnight, especially if we are in love, to ensure a happy new year.

If you are among friends, shake hands, touch your elbow … As it is folklore, the sky will not fall on your head, don’t worry!

As for the expression “Au mistletoe the year nine”, it is a translation error of a Celtic expression. The Celts used to say “O ghel an heu”, which means “Let the wheat germinate”, an expression which became “Au mistletoe the year nine”.

In the 18th century, it was the English who imported the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe into France. That’s always a few less mistletoe balls in trees, because this plant is a formidable pest, explains nurseryman Eric Lenoir:

“Mistletoe is a pest, unlike ivy. the ivy grows on the tree, with the tree, together with the tree, grows larger at the same time as the tree. The mistletoe, on the other hand, grows larger through the tree, draws its resources from inside the tree. If you cut a branch where mistletoe grows, you will see that its vegetation is internal to the tree and not to its surface. “

“To grow, mistletoe pumps sap from the tree. It is an effective and formidable parasite.”

Éric Lenoir, nurseryman

to franceinfo

Mistletoe therefore does not bring good luck to trees. When you drive, you have inevitably seen trees covered with mistletoe balls. Poplars, acacias, lime trees and apple trees are often victims of this parasite which settles on them mainly via thrushes.

“The thrush eats the fruits of the mistletoe. The fruits are very slimy and contain a seed. When the thrush has digested the berry, there is still a lot of stickiness around the seed. It rejects that seed when it needs. The seeds settle on trees and attach themselves to them, allowing this parasitic plant to thrive. “

Mistletoe is part of the magic potion of the druid Panoramix in the adventures of Asterix. It must be plucked with a golden billhook (not very easy …).

In real life, keep mistletoe and its small white berries away from children. The leaves and fruits of this parasite are poisonous.