Apples trees, Ditcheat

Image: © Maigheach-gheal Taken: 5 Feb 2010

Apples, probably for cider making are big business in this area. Most of the trees are covered in mistletoe. Mistletoe, from the Old English misteltan, is a parasitic plant that grows on various trees, particularly the apple tree, it is held in great veneration when found on Oak trees. Mistletoe was a plant of peace in antiquity. If enemies met by chance beneath it in a forest, they laid down their arms and maintained a truce until the next day. This is thought to be the origin of the ancient custom of hanging a ball of mistletoe from the ceiling and exchanging kisses under it as a sign of friendship and goodwill. According to the Anglo-Saxons, kissing under the mistletoe was connected to the legend of Freya, goddess of love, beauty and fertility. According to legend, a man had to kiss any young girl who, without realizing it, found herself accidentally under a sprig of mistletoe hanging from the ceiling. If a couple in love exchanges a kiss under the mistletoe, it is interpreted as a promise to marry, as well as a prediction of happiness and long life.

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