Suspended 30-feet in the air, a Christmas beacon hangs in Washington, DC—a 10-foot bundle of greenery and ribbons that locals are calling the National Mistletoe.
It served as the perfect setting to herald a ‘Merry Kiss-mas’ and break a world record for holiday smooches.
On a Saturday in December, 1,435 couples gathered around the Mistletoe to kiss for five-seconds in order to set a new Guinness record.
After arriving at DC’s Anthem Row, each couple helped maintain the mood by holding up a small sprig of mistletoe as they locked lips.
The public display of holiday affection broke the previous mistletoe record set by 480 kissing couples in St. Louis in 2019.
“Last night felt bigger than a world record attempt,” said one of the organizers, Gerren Price, who shared video of the moment on Instagram. “It was a reminder of what happens when a city shows up for joy, love, and community above all else.”
“THANK YOU to every single couple who stepped under the National Mistletoe and helped us make history!!”
Mistletoe’s link to holiday traditions date all the way back to prehistoric Europe and winter solstice celebrations. Back then, it was often considered a symbol of fertility and rebirth.
Many years later, a 1784 musical comedy, Two for One, included the song lyric, “And kiss beneath the mistletoe,” according to NPR. The romantic connections continued to grow from there, with festive holiday traditions boosting the plant’s popularity.
In Washington D.C., the massive symbol of holiday love has been hung for two straight years thanks to funding from the District’s Streets for People art grant. The National Mistletoe will remain on display throughout January for anyone seeking to fulfill a romantic New Year’s resolution.
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There are also plans to continue the tradition next year and perhaps even find ways to help single people find a partner, because anything is possible when love—and mistletoe—is in the air.
“Events like this bring people together in such a memorable, joyful way and show the true vibrancy and energy in the city that we love,” Price said in a statement.
“Whether you’re sealing the deal, rekindling the spark, or just joining for the fun—this is the holiday kiss you won’t forget.”
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