Mistletoe on a Headstone: Meaning

Mistletoe stays green in the depth of winter, its white berries glowing among bare branches. Long before kissing under it at Christmas, it was a symbol of love, peace and life that endures.

What it means

Myth and tradition

The Roman writer Pliny described Druids cutting mistletoe from oak trees with great ceremony. In Norse myth, the god Baldur was killed by a dart of mistletoe; in later retellings his mother Frigg's tears became its white berries, and she made it a symbol of love. Enemies were said to lay down their arms if they met beneath it — the root of the custom of kissing under the mistletoe.

Design ideas

• A sprig of mistletoe with white berries.
• Mistletoe and holly — see holly meaning.
• A Christmas wreath with mistletoe.
• White berries etched on black granite.

Who it suits

Couples who met or married at Christmas, people who loved the holidays, those of Celtic or Scandinavian heritage, and families seeking a symbol of reconciliation. See flower meanings.

For a couple

Mistletoe is a sweet, playful choice for a couple who shared their first kiss under it, or who married in winter. Pair it with both names and "Forever under the mistletoe".

A note on toxicity

Mistletoe berries are poisonous, so a carved sprig is better than real mistletoe left at a grave where children or pets visit.

Epitaphs to pair

• Love, always.
• Peace and goodwill.
• Forever under the mistletoe.
• Home for Christmas.

Key Takeaways

• Mistletoe means love, peace and reconciliation.
• Druids and Norse myth gave it sacred meaning.
• It suits Christmas couples.
• Real berries are toxic; carved is safer.

Next Step

See poinsettia meaning and holly meaning.