TIE MICHIGAN DAILY (RASITIC BUSH: Pagan Customs Create Modern Mistletoe Legend I N OW By GEORGE LEVIN Mistletoe has developed into one of the females' favorite devices for man-trapping at Christmas- time. According to the legend, if a girl stands under some mistletoe and is not kissed, ,she will not marry. No true man would pin such a fate on any woman. Mistletoe is a parasitic ever- green bush about four feet high. The mistletoe used at Christmas time is mainly .obtained from the apple orchards of Normandy and Herefordshire. It is a specialized parasite, growing primarily on apple, pop- lar and maple trees and thorns. The custom of kissing under the mistletoe evolved from various pa- gan customs. The early people thought of mistletoe as a bestower of life and fertility. The custom is mainly associated with license of Saturnalia or some primitive mar- riage rites. Others saw mistletoe as a sym- bol of peace, believing that those who met under it were bound to forget their emnities. With the advent of Christianity, mistletoe was adopted into the Christmas decorations. However, soon the use of mistle- toe was abandoned by the church because they found it set couples reading the marriage service. Hol- ly was substituted. But, the custom could not be stamped out. It found its way in- to the servants' halls. A man could kiss any girl standing under the mistletoe. No girl in such a posi- tion could refuse. Gradually the custom of hanging mistletoe cerept into the parlor and drawing room of English homes. It became almost a ritual among the older people. The old man would approach the lady of his choice, bow and lead her to the mistletoe. Upon returning her to her seat, the bow would be re- peated. Americans have adopted the cus- tom but refined it to suit their tastes. Since mistletoe is not com- mon in the United States, holly and other similar shrubs have been substituted for mistletoe. The safest spot for a girl at Christmas time in the United States is under the. blue sky. Mistletoe is the Goden Bough which Aeneas picked from the gates of the Underworld and used as a safe passage back to the world of the living. In Worchestershire and Wales the farmers give the Christmas bunch of mistletoe to the first cow that calves in the new year. This is supposed to bringluck and health for the entire herd. In other parts of England the bunch is burned lest all who have kissed under it will never marry. is the time to JOIN FLAKES FLY-In the form of snowballs, winter's white blanket is rearranged by the residents of the quadrangle system as twd groups of antagonists go after each other with their icy missiles. A couple of passers-by stop to look on and evetually get hit themselves. Skillful Strategy Highlights Snowballing the PHOTOGRAPHY and SPORTS STAFFS of the Michigan Daily. Come to the Student Publications BL.Id- By ELLEN SILVERMAN When one sees a snowfall the immediate reaction is "how beauti- ful," the secondary reaction "how horrible to have to walk to classes in THAT," and the third reaction "let's have a snowball fight." Each year, when the first snows silently drift to earth, University students, especially males, are giv- en to destroying its beauty byj promptly packing the snow into missiles for snow barrages to frustrate professors, coeds, and small children who pass by. Since this is the normal reac- tion to snow, it is essential to know the fundamental rules in snowballing at the University. No Ice, Rocks First of all, it is an accepted tradition that no "illegal" snow- balls are permitted. These include rocks and ice incased in snow, and solid ice balls. State Warns Care Needed In Toy Buying Christmas is the time for gift giving, but the Michigan Depart- ment of Health has urged all those buying gifts for young children to remember the hazards involved. "Make sure each toy you buy brings joy and not tears," the de- partment has warned, reminding customers the many infants and pre-school age children are hurt without cause each holiday season. Some of the points to take note of, the department stated, are that sharp edges, small parts that can be detached and sw allowed and poisonous points are some of the attributes of toys that cause many injuries each season. The department also reminded buyers that even gifts for older children can be dangerous if their use is not supervised by adults. The problem, then, is how to aim. By logical deduction it is win "legally"-and it can be done. easy to see that the strategic areas s The first step is the establishment are the face, legs, or hands, so that the snow can not only smack of an armaments headquarters. hard but will also melt convieni- This can either be a snow fort, ently and run down along bare which takes much work, or, for skin, causing dIscomfort. the lazier students, a corner of In a large snowball fight, where any building will certainly suffice, the opponents are not in full view, 1 Once the headquarters are set the antagonists should aim for the up, the antagonists must assure arms supply. Of course, continued themselves that any person pass- aiming at the opponent is fine, for ing. will be barraged. No one must if he is incapacitated victory is be able to escape flying snowballs. certainly in sight. Where to Aim Finally, these few considerations This brings the consideration of should be noted: CHRISTMAS CARDS $ $ . . . 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