Christmas kissing at threat because of mistletoe shortage
The future of a traditional kiss under the mistletoe is in doubt, as the plant is in danger of dying out because of modern farming methods.
By Louise Gray
Last Updated: 7:15PM GMT 05 Dec 2008
Horticulturalists blame a loss of ancient orchards and intensive harvesting methods that mean only the female plant with the berries is taken.
For this year at least, mistletoe is safe as a mild wet winter has ensured a profusion of plants.
But the future is in doubt. England's apple orchards, mistletoe's favoured habitat, have declined by 57 per cent in the past 50 years.
Jonathan Briggs, an ecologist, said the way the plant is cut for sale is also a threat.
Harvesters cut only the female plant, which has berries, leaving the male plant that will continue to grow and ultimately poison the tree.
"The Christmas market was previously a way for farmers to make a bit of money from something they did anyway,'' he said. "These days, only the stuff with berries is cut and everything else is left.''
Without action now, Mr Briggs said mistletoe may not survive.
"There's no crisis yet,'' he said. "But there might be one in 25 years if people don't manage mistletoe properly. It's a lost knowledge we need to regain.''
The evergreen with white berries is hung in doorways over the festive season. As a symbol of peace – and fertility – it is the custom to kiss beneath the decoration.
According to tradition, when the last mistletoe berry is gone there should be no more kissing.
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