Due to the kindness of Microsoft, Miranda has been furnished with her very own copy of Microsoft® Encarta® Premium Suite 2003. This means that her research on topics of quirky interest will be vast and far reaching. For more information on Encarta or to experience it for yourself, visit: here.
Every year at Christmas in all of our favourite American programmes (Sitcoms are the worst offenders) there is often talk of kissing under the mistletoe. While mistletoe sounds more like a foot condition than anything that would inspire romance, you should probably count your blessings that all you’re getting is a kiss. Once upon a time, it was more customary to sacrifice a bull or ox under the mistletoe.
Back in ancient times the Druids were in the habit of observing the full moon, and especially the sixth day of the moon. On the latter they sought the Mistletoe, which grew on their favourite oaks, and to which, as well as to the oak itself, they ascribed a peculiar virtue and sacredness. The discovery of it was an occasion of rejoicing and solemn worship. They call it by a word in their language which means ‘heal-all,’ and having made solemn preparation for feasting and sacrifice under the tree, they drive thither two milk-white bulls, whose horns are then for the first time bound.
The priest then, robed in white, ascends the tree, and cuts off the mistletoe with a golden sickle. It is caught in a white mantle, after which they proceed to slay the victims, at the same time praying that God would render his gift prosperous to those to whom he had given it.” They drink the water in which it has been infused, and think it a remedy for all diseases.
Mistletoe is an interesting plant. It’s a parasite; in fact it's the only plant that is actually considered a true parasite because it sometimes kills the hardwood trees it infests. Mistletoe grows slowly in trees, and doesn’t put roots in the ground. It isn’t always found in oak, so that when it is found it is the more precious.
Due to the kindness of Microsoft, Miranda has been furnished with her very own copy of Microsoft® Encarta® Premium Suite 2003. This means that her research on topics of quirky interest will be vast and far reaching. For more information on Encarta or to experience it for yourself, visit: 
Every year at Christmas in all of our favourite American programmes (Sitcoms are the worst offenders) there is often talk of kissing under the mistletoe. While mistletoe sounds more like a foot condition than anything that would inspire romance, you should probably count your blessings that all you’re getting is a kiss. Once upon a time, it was more customary to sacrifice a bull or ox under the mistletoe. 
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