On occasion people call and ask me about an article I wrote some time back on how to deal with specific problems.

However, over the last few days I have had three people ask me about the past articles on the history behind some of our holiday fixtures. Here is some unique history that is good to know and some of it you can share with children.

Q: Why do you kiss under mistletoe?

A: More than 1,300 species of mistletoe exist worldwide. They have been used by humans for various purposes for centuries. Around 2,000 B.C. the Celtic Druids in Great Brittan considered mistletoe a sacred plant and used it to counteract poison, increase fertility and protect against witchcraft.

In the 1600 and 1700s, mistletoe was used in the treatment of epilepsy, nervous disorders and internal problems. The North American Indians used it to treat toothaches, measles and dog bites. Research conducted in the 1920s even suggested that it might actually have anti-cancer properties.

Perhaps the most important contribution of mistletoe is its representation of peace. When enemies met under mistletoe in the forest, they had to lay down their arms and observe a truce until the next day. This ancient custom of hanging mistletoe from the ceiling and exchanging a truce under it is a sign of friendship and good will that still exists today.

One word of caution is mistletoe can be toxic. The berries and foliage of mistletoe are poisonous. Ingestion has caused seizures, vomiting and in extreme cases even death.

Q: Why do people hang stockings over the fireplace?

A: Numerous stories and theories exist ºabout this question but this one probably has the most validity. If you go back for centuries you can find stories about giving citizens; however the story about St. Nicholas is probably the best known and most accepted. His story starts back in Myra, which is now Turkey, with a boy named Nicholas who was the son of two wealthy parents. He spent his life serving God and doing good deeds for the less fortunate. As he went through life Nicholas became known as a hero for children and was worshipped for this generosity and kindness to all. Before long, stories of his good will and giving spread throughout Europe.

This turned him into a legendary figure to be remembered as St. Nicholas or in the New World, Santa Claus.

It is told that St. Nicholas heard the news of an Italian man who was in great debt. He was on the verge of having to sell one of his three daughters into slavery to be able to afford for the rest of his family. After hearing this St. Nicholas went by their house late one night and threw three bags of gold into the house. The three daughters each had their socks drying over the mantle which was customary at the time.

A bag of gold landed in each of the girls’ stockings. After this story circulated it became custom for kids to hang stockings over the mantle to be filled with gifts, and the rest is history.

David Carter is the director of the Adams County Extension Service. He can be reached at 601-445-8201.