Skip to main content

Why do we kiss under mistletoe? - Carlos Reif

949,731 Views

10,678 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

The sight of mistletoe may either send you scurrying or, if you have your eye on someone, awaiting an opportunity beneath its snow-white berries. But how did the festive tradition of kissing under mistletoe come about? Carlos Reif explains how this long-lived custom intertwines the mythology and biology of this intriguing plant.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Carlos Reif
  • Director Bálint Gelley
  • Script Editor Emma Bryce
  • Animator Bálint Gelley, Iván Tamás
  • Producer Bella Szederkényi
  • Storyboard Artist Daniel Gray
  • Designer Borbála Tompa
  • Character Designer Borbála Tompa
  • Sound Designer Zoltán Vadon
  • Composer Gergely Buttinger
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

More from Awesome Nature