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CHRISTMAS CUSTOM

IT IS A WIDESPREAD AND WELL-KNOWN CUSTOM THAT A PIECE OF MISTLETOE
IS HUNG FROM DOORWAYS, CHANDELIERS, CEILINGS, ETC. AS A CHRISTMAS
DECORATION. IF A MAN AND WOMAN SHOULD BOTH HAPPEN TO BE STANDING
UNDER THE MISTLETOE, THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO KISS. IF ONE OF THEM IS
UNDER THE MISTLETOE ALONE, THE OTHER MAY COME UP TO KISS THEM.

Submitter comment: THIS IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST WIDESPREAD OF CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS.
PEOPLE PROBABLY FOLLOW IT BECAUSE IT IS FUN AND FITS IN WITH THE
FESTIVE HOLIDAY MOOD.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): PLANT PARASITIC

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below.
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Mistletoe and other greenery
SPEECH -- Gesture

Date learned: CA00001966

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