Mistletoe magic is often associated with the festive season and the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe. Mistletoe is a plant that grows on the branches of trees and has been used in folklore and mythology for centuries. In ancient times, mistletoe was considered a powerful and sacred plant with many mystical properties. It was believed to bring good luck, fertility, and protection from evil spirits. Druids would perform rituals involving mistletoe during the winter solstice, as it was seen as a symbol of rebirth and renewal. The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe can be traced back to Norse mythology.
In terms of being able to read this independently, I think ages eight and up would manage, although I can see younger children enjoying the stories if they were read to them. The stories are short enough to be used as example texts when teaching myths in English lessons.
Luke Palmer introduces Play Author Luke Palmer introduces his new book, Play Firefly Press about four boys growing up together, the challenges, the friendships, and what hap. Enchantments of all sorts playful tongue twisters, healing charms, and wistful lullabies accompany pages saturated with rich illustrations of plants and animals.
The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe can be traced back to Norse mythology. According to the legend, the goddess Frigg had a son named Baldr who was killed by an arrow made of mistletoe. Frigg was so devastated by his death that she vowed to kiss anyone who passed under the mistletoe, in the hopes that it would bring them back to life.
Short Story Review: “In Syllables of Elder Seas” by Lisa L. Hannett
The orphan trope in folktales gets an update with a new low in horribleness. The orphan longs for his parents, and for freedom, and to please. But, he finds that none of his efforts will appease his nameless aunts who keep him locked up. Worse, it’s not even abuse by neglect, but rather abuse in a cultish desire to use the poor young prisoner as a pawn, or a sacrifice.
The protagonist, known only as Aitch in a deliberate effort on the aunts’ part to dehumanize him, spends most of his time sealed in brine-filled glass jars in a locked room in a lighthouse. He doesn’t know what happened to his parents or why he’s treated the way he’s treated. However, his treatment gives him fever dreams of Innsmouth-like dysmorphic fish-people and possibly of Cthulhu. Aitch sketches his visions and the aunts collect his works of art before sealing him back up again.
Like many an orphan stuck in a horrible situation, Aitch vacillates between wanting to get away from the cultish aunts, and trying to please them into better treatment of him . . .
This tale appears in the New Lovecraftian anthology, The Mammoth Book of Cthulhu edited by Paula Guran. I received my copy of the anthology directly from Prime Books. I’ve previously reviewed this author’s excellent “The Female Factory” written with Angela Slatter and “Forever, Miss Tapekwa County”.
[Check out my other reviews here.]
Today, the mistletoe tradition continues during the holiday season. It is often hung in doorways and other prominent places, and people are encouraged to kiss underneath it. The tradition states that if a couple kisses under the mistletoe, they will have good luck and happiness in the coming year. While the mistletoe tradition is mostly seen as a fun and festive activity, it is also steeped in history and folklore. The plant itself is considered a parasitic plant, as it grows by attaching itself to a host tree and extracting nutrients from it. Despite its parasitic nature, mistletoe has become a beloved part of holiday decorations. In conclusion, mistletoe magic is a tradition that has lasted for centuries. It is a symbol of love, luck, and renewal during the festive season. While its origins may be rooted in ancient mythology, the mistletoe tradition continues to bring joy and festivity to the holiday season..
Reviews for "The Potential of Mistletoe in Treating Chronic Diseases"
1. Jenna - 2/5 stars - I typically enjoy holiday movies and romantic comedies, but "Mistletoe Magic Cast" was just not my cup of tea. The storyline felt predictable and cliché, with no real surprises or twists. The characters lacked depth and were one-dimensional, making it difficult to connect with them on any level. Additionally, the chemistry between the main leads felt forced and lacked genuine authenticity. Overall, "Mistletoe Magic Cast" failed to capture the magic and charm that I usually associate with holiday movies.
2. Kyle - 1/5 stars - I found "Mistletoe Magic Cast" to be incredibly cheesy and filled with unrealistic situations. The dialogue was cringe-worthy, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the over-the-top romantic moments. The plot was weak and lacked any real substance, leaving me constantly bored and uninterested. The acting was subpar, with many of the characters delivering their lines in an awkward and unconvincing manner. Overall, "Mistletoe Magic Cast" was a major disappointment and not a movie I would recommend.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - As a fan of romantic comedies, I was excited to watch "Mistletoe Magic Cast," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The storyline felt rushed and underdeveloped, leaving me wanting more depth and complexity. The humor fell flat, and I found myself rarely laughing at the supposed comedic moments. The chemistry between the main characters felt forced and lacked any real sparks. While the festive backdrop was visually appealing, it couldn't save the film from its lackluster plot and unconvincing performances.
4. Michael - 1/5 stars - "Mistletoe Magic Cast" was a complete waste of time. The plot was incredibly predictable and offered nothing new or refreshing. The characters were poorly written and lacked any real depth or growth. The dialogue felt unnatural and cringe-worthy, making it difficult to become emotionally invested in any of the relationships. The acting was subpar, with many of the actors delivering lines in a wooden and unconvincing manner. Overall, "Mistletoe Magic Cast" was a forgettable and unremarkable holiday movie that I regret watching.