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We
all look for the mistletoe when we see our heart throb at the Christmas
party. But is there true magic in those berries?
After thousands of years we still rely
on a little bird doing it's job... it eats the berries and secures
it's future.  |
| Stanley
Yapp |
The
Druids thought so... those juicy little sprigs were not just a symbol
of romance but also fertility!
You
might want to think twice before you agree to that sweaty clinch
this year unless you want to hear the patter of tiny feet.
The
man who's become the ambassador for mistletoe, Stanley Yapp, is
known for his big bunches and has sent them all over the world.
"It's
all part of the mystery... you still can't walk into a garden centre
and buy a mistletoe tree.
"After
thousands of years we still rely on a little bird doing it's job...
it eats the berries and secures it's future," said Stan.
So
our Christmas snogs rely on a birdy's do-do's!
Gloucestershire
is well known for it's bumper crops of mistletoe. At this time of
year, farmers are turning up at the farm shops selling their wares.
And
the good thing is, it stays in pucker nick for months. So one little
sprig can guarantee you at least a dozen smackers on the lips. Plenty
of time to decide if you want another go.
 |
| The
mysterious berry with magical powers |
| Funny
facts about mistletoe... |
 Mistletoe
is a crucial part of ancient love potions... but watch our because
it's also a poison! |
| Mistletoe
appeared on the 47p stamp last year |
| Mistletoe
was hung in a baby's cradle to make sure the baby didn't turn
into a changeling. |
| According
to legend, a man had to kiss any young girl who found herself
accidentally under a sprig of mistletoe hanging from the ceiling.
|
| A
man should pick a berry, then pick a lady to kiss. (But that
means you run out too quickly!) |
Do
you make the most of mistletoe at Christmas? Tell us your juicy
stories - email us at gloucestershire@bbc.co.uk
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