(Viscum Album.) In Scandinavian countries called Mistel. A parasitic evergreen plant bearing a glutinous fruit. When found attached to the oak, where it is rare, it was an object of superstitious regard among the Druids. It was from a fragment of this plant that the dart was made which cost the life of Balder, according to the Scandanavian Mysteries. [See Balder]
The Mistletoe, to the Scandinavian, is the coincident symbol of the acacia to the Mason, the ivy to those of the mysteries of Dionysius, the myrtle to those of Ceres, the erica or heath to those of Osirian, the lettuce to those of the Adonisian, and the lotus or water-lily to those of India and Egypt. The Mistletoe that caused the death of Balder was deemed sacred as the representative of the number three. The berries and leaves of the plant or vine grow in clusters of three united on one stalk. It was profanation to touch it. It was gathered with ceremony, and then consecrated, when it was reputed to posses every sanative virtue, and denominated "All Heal."
An Encyclopedia of Freemasonry
An Encyclopedia of Freemasonry
