Kissing under the mistletoe is first found associated with the Greek festival of Saturnalia and later with primitive marriage rites. It was believed that mistletoe could bestow fertility. In Scandinavia, mistletoe was considered a plant of peace, under which enemies could declare a truce, or warring spouses kiss and make-up. In England, the tradition is that at Christmas time a young lady standing under a ball of mistletoe, brightly trimmed with evergreens, ribbons, and ornaments, cannot refuse to be kissed.

Even if the pagan significance has been long forgotten, the custom of exchanging a kiss under the mistletoe can still be found in many European countries. If a couple in love exchanges a kiss under the mistletoe, it is interpreted as a promise to marry, as well as a prediction of happiness and long life. In France, the custom linked to mistletoe was reserved for New Year's Day: "Au gui l'An neuf" (Mistletoe for the New Year). Today, kisses can be exchanged under the mistletoe any time during the holiday season.