From the earliest times mistletoe has been one of the most magical, mysterious, and sacred plants of European folklore. It was considered to bestow life and fertility; a protection against poison; and an aphrodisiac. The custom of using mistletoe to decorate houses at Christmas is a survival of the ancient Celtic Druid and other pre-Christian traditions. Now at Christmas time a young lady standing under a ball of mistletoe, brightly trimmed with evergreens, ribbons, and ornaments, cannot refuse to be kissed.
Such a kiss could mean deep romance or lasting friendship and goodwill. Whether we believe it or not, it always makes for fun and frolic at Christmas celebrations. Even if the pagan significance has been long forgotten, the custom of exchanging a kiss under the mistletoe can still be found in many countries.
Thus 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. Therefore we feel it is not too late – with a few days of holiday still remaining – before the New Year sets in, to heed to Natalie Jean’s example in her joyfully upbeat and mood-inducing song “Mistletoe” which was released on the 16th of December.
“Mistletoe” is another typical posh and elegant recording from the talented award winning singer-songwriter, performer and Grammy voting Member. Backed by the marvelous and almost Caribbean flavored arrangement, Natalie Jean’s offers a well-crafted, immaculately arranged and produced song.
Her whispery and smoky vocals set just the right mood for a romantic holiday get together or an after-dinner cheek to cheek dance with you loved one. Serve up the eggnog and let it snow, as Natalie leads us into that ever-challenging uncertainty: “Who’s gonna take the first step, the first step, is it me or you? Who’s gonna be the first one, the first one, under the mistletoe?”
Natalie Jean is such a great and passionate artist, it can be said that everything she records is going to be enjoyed; this song is no exception. Her angelic voice is strong but soft, and sentimental without being overemotional. From the musicianship to the colorful lyrics and right down to Natalie’s vocal phrasing, “Mistletoe” has the word ‘class’ written all over it.
Natalie has evolved tremendously as a vocalist and a musical visionary. She has written or co-written many of her songs and her music shows a great amount of depth and detail in every aspect of the development of each song, instruments, lyric and vocal. But you best not take my word for it, and listen to her music yourself. Being an ardent Natalie Jean fan, I may have a tendency to be biased on the occasion!
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