John the Baptist and Mistletoe

 A seasonal preview of my forthcoming book, John the Baptist: a life and afterlife. A short extract:

The link between John the Baptist and mistletoe is particularly fascinating when the many uses of this plant are taken into account. Principally, it is seen as a cure for epilepsy, a malady against which John is invoked in France and Belgium. In Sweden, people would protect themselves from epilepsy by carrying a knife, the handle of which was made of oak mistletoe. German children were protected from the illness by the placing of pieces of mistletoe about their necks. As noted in the discussion of basil, the connection between John and convulsions is appropriate. Moreover, the Celts believed that mistletoe was efficacious against barrenness^. Once again we find a connection with John’s birth, to elderly parents and a barren mother (Lk. 1.1.7).

   Mistletoe has strong and fascinating associations with John the Baptist because of the illnesses it cures and the association of these illnesses with John. However, it would appear that John’s connection with this plant ultimately derives from ancient customs relating to Midsummer. Druids would honour the annual sacrifice of the Oak King at Midsummer. According to the second century philosopher Maximus of Tyre, the ancient Celts worshipped Zeus, who is represented as a tall oak in Celtic imagery.

The Oak King is a variant of this deity. The fire, which formed part of the celebration, was built of oak wood. Oak is sacred to Druids, and mistletoe grows mainly upon oak. When Midsummer was taken over by the church and turned into St John’s Day, the martyred Baptist replaced the sacrificed Oak King, with the ancient associations and qualities attached to mistletoe and the Oak King transferring to John. Appropriately, oak was regarded as special because its roots go so deep into the earth that they are believed to reach the underworld. This is especially significant for the church, wherein John’s mission is to preach the salvation of Christ to the people in that lower region. Also significant is the belief, prevalent in Sweden, that mistletoe is a safeguard against fire. Once again, there is a connection with the Baptist. Finally, mistletoe is also known as the ‘Golden Bough’, because of the golden tints in its berries and leaves. Golden plants, as previously noted, are dedicated to John.

The book is due for publication in May 2022.