Never miss a story — sign up for PLANSPONSOR newsletters to keep up on the latest retirement plan benefits news.
Break from the Grind December 21, 2015
TRIVIAL PURSUITS: What is the meaning of “mistletoe?”
Reported by PLANSPONSOR staff
What is the origin, and thus meaning, of the word “mistletoe?”
The name for mistletoe came from the fact that mistletoe tends to spring from bird droppings that have fallen on trees, with the seeds having passed through the digestive tract of the birds. The plant was given the name “misteltan” in Old English from “mistel,” meaning “dung,” and “tan,” meaning “twig.” So, “mistletoe” is a “dung twig.”
An interesting piece of trivia to share with friends and family over the holidays, unless you think it’s too much of a downer.