InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "remember me?"

Lachlan Galbraith (ohappyday) wrote in gooseberry,
@ 2016-12-12 13:26:00

Entry tags:

! journal, zz drop: lachlan galbraith

Mistletoe is actually a parasitic plant, attaching itself to trees via birds and taking sap to help it grow. And while the tradition of kissing under it at Christmas time dates back to the Victorian time, there were also other myths. I like the explanation from this Norse myth:

Shakespeare calls it 'the baleful Mistletoe,' an allusion to the Scandinavian legend that Balder, the god of Peace, was slain with an arrow made of Mistletoe. He was restored to life at the request of the other gods and goddesses, and Mistletoe was afterwards given into the keeping of the goddess of Love, and it was ordained that everyone who passed under it should receive a kiss, to show that the branch had become an emblem of love, and not of hate.

Lovely, isn't it? Symbol of peace and love instead of hate. How very nice.

I hope no one is too bothered. If you should need a rescue, it seems many people are willing to help. I appreciate anyone who gave me an un-stuck!

(Post a new comment)

	smudging 2016-12-12 05:07 pm UTC (link)
	It is not. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	ohappyday 2016-12-12 05:07 pm UTC (link)
	It is not what? (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	smudging 2016-12-12 05:13 pm UTC (link)
	Invasive. Okay, I'll allow that it's foreign to its current stomping grounds, but it actually does more good than harm! (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	ohappyday 2016-12-12 05:17 pm UTC (link)
	That is actually the type of plant it is, not a judgement call on it. It lives in trees and doesn't grow on it's own. But I think it's lovely! (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	smudging 2016-12-12 05:19 pm UTC (link)
	I know that. I'm saying that it's not considered invasive unless it's also doing harm. The plant itself? Or what it means to people? (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	ohappyday 2016-12-12 05:22 pm UTC (link)
	Oh yes, not invasive, just parasitic. Not the same in the least. Both! It's a lovely plant, little white berries, very festive. At least that's what they look like back home. North American mistletoe is a bit different, but not much. I think it's lovely that it represents love and peace. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	smudging 2016-12-12 05:26 pm UTC (link)
	Oh, sorry, got ahead of myself there. Sorry, where are you from exactly again? (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	ohappyday 2016-12-12 05:28 pm UTC (link)
	Not a problem. Most people hear 'parasite' and think 'bad' but they just need to live on a host, they don't really hurt it much. I'm from the south of England. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	smudging 2016-12-12 05:49 pm UTC (link)
	I know that. Are you just here for a year? Why do you know so much about Mistletoe? (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	ohappyday 2016-12-12 06:09 pm UTC (link)
	Oh good. I'm here for the duration, if they'll have me. Been here since 4th year. Your Freshmen, I think. And I grew up on a campstead and farm, we have lots. My mother is very interested in the properties of plants and magical creatures. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	cyrano 2016-12-12 05:30 pm UTC (link)
	Marty, baby, are you running around lecturing people about plants? (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	smudging 2016-12-12 05:30 pm UTC (link)
	Ha ha, what are you talking about????? (Reply to this) (Parent)

	cyrano 2016-12-12 05:31 pm UTC (link)
	I love that you're injecting some positivity back into all this, Lach. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	ohappyday 2016-12-12 05:33 pm UTC (link)
	I try to, at least! Mistletoe is quite nice, and while maybe some people might be a bit upset and we should be sensitive, it isn't too bad at all. I'm always here to look on the bright side! (Reply to this) (Parent)

	tried 2016-12-12 07:13 pm UTC (link)
	I prefer to think of it as the dirty leech it is. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	ohappyday 2016-12-12 07:25 pm UTC (link)
	Oh parasites aren't always bad, they just need a host is all. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	madtess 2016-12-12 08:31 pm UTC (link)
	Well, now I know more about the enemy, and that's half the battle. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	ohappyday 2016-12-12 09:01 pm UTC (link)
	Is mistletoe your enemy then? (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	madtess 2016-12-12 09:06 pm UTC (link)
	Today it is, or at least until we get this under control. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	ohappyday 2016-12-12 09:08 pm UTC (link)
	Oh no! Are you stuck? I can come help if you need it. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	madtess 2016-12-15 11:53 am UTC (link)
	Not at the moment, though I appreciate the offer. (Reply to this) (Parent)