The thing is, I often start making them in January, inspired by the festive season just past, which usually means that by November or December there are only a few finishing touches to make. However, in 2017 this didn't happen. I can't quite remember why. Perhaps it was the cold I caught mid-January which was far too near to the cold that I had nurtured throughout November and December? Perhaps I just thought I'd have time when it got to the run-up to Christmas? Perhaps I was just undecided what to make, since I had so many ideas?
I was still procrastinating in late October when I attended a talk at the wonderful West of England Herb Group, by an expert on mistletoe. Not only did I find out how it grows but also how it features in myths and legends across Europe (and probably beyond). The procrastinating was over - I had my inspiration. I had also, inadvertently, bought myself some precious time.
The mistletoe that grows in the UK (traditionally in the West Country but gradually moving East, perhaps due to climate change) is Viscum album. It has white berries and, in fact, is the only native plant to have a white berry (apparently). It is parasitic and grows in trees, preferring apple, limes (not the citrus variety) and hawthorn, all of which are deciduous, losing their leaves in winter. Conversely, winter is mistletoe's most active time of year when it bears fruit. These take from about October to December to fully ripen, turning from white to an almost pearlescent transparency, whilst the stems and leaves maintain their bright green colour. It is this bright and shiny appearance, whilst all around it is seemingly dead, that has ensured the plant's place in mythology, associated with fertility and symbolic of a life force.
I think it was the Victorians who turned this fertility symbol into a Christmas kissing tradition, but we may forgive them for that. The French, on the other hand, believe in the plant's properties to bring good luck and, wait for it..... it often features on their New Year cards..... and there the idea for this year was born.
Or should I say.... et volia!
Crocheted sprigs of mistletoe to wish my friends and family a happy New Year and the best of luck in 2018. And all made in the lull between Christmas and New Year - what could be better?
Oh, and if you are interested, mistletoe also has medicinal properties, being used in cancer drugs and to make a tea for hypertension. So, if you thought all mistletoe was good for was to sneak a quick kiss at Christmas, you can think again!
