Page B2 - The Pyramid - December 22. 1999 Heart tips for holidays Folklore, myths surround mistletoe LOGAN-- - "Dont get caught under the parasite" sounds like good advice any time of the year. So why is it that during the Christmas holiday we give so much attention to a plant that lives off other plants? And, what is romantic about it? Mistletoe is a parasitic plant associated with many Christmas traditions, says Jerry Goodspeed, Utah State University Extension horticulturist. A parasitic plant is one that invades other plants, robbing them of water and nutrients, instead of developing its own root system. Parasitic plants are found throughout the world. A couple even invade Northern Utah, although they often go undetected. At Christmas time one of the most tenacious parasites around is honored, mistletoe. There is a great deal of folklore and myth surrounding mistletoe. The name comes from the ancient belief that the plant somehow spontaneously sprung to life from bird droppings in the tops of trees. The word mister is Anglo-Saxo- n for dung, and the word tan means twig. Thus, mistletoe could be translated to be dung on a twig. Mistletoe sounds a little better, especially if kissing under it. Mistletoe was used in ancient wedding ceremonies to confer fertility and power on the newlyweds. In other parts of the world it was considered a peace plant. Those who were fighting stood under the mistletoe to resolve the conflict. Oh well, enough of history. Most parasitic plants contain an organ known as a haustorium that functions a little like a root, Goodspeed says. Instead of growing into the soil, it penetrates the bark and obtains its water and nutrients from a host. Of course, this weakens the host plant and, in severe cases, can even kill it. There are two native mistletoes in northern Utah. Both are dwarf varieties, and not the leafy mistletoe often used in Christmas decorations. life-givi- Hare o Dazzling Fir dwarf mistletoe, Arceutho-biu- m douglasii, is a parasite to the native Douglas fir, and can attack firs. Limber pine dwarf mistletoe, Arceutho-biuis not as cyanocarpum, common, but occasionally is seen on limber, bristlecone, ponderosa and lodgepole pines. Mistletoe does flower, although the blossoms are inconspicuous. The flower leads to small fruit that contain one seed. This fruit is eaten by birds in the trees. Then they deposit the seeds sub-alpi- ne m in other tree sit of contemplating life. Dwarf mistletoe is not common, and since it blends in so well with the host plants foliage, it often goes undetected. It is rarely found in landscapes and is not considered a major pest in northern Utah. Enjoy the Christmas holiday with all its traditions. And, just be thankful to kiss under the mistletoe and not a "twig covered with dung," Goodspeed says. Store house opens on historic Main Street MT PLEASAN- T- Alliances national advertising campaign encourages tourists to use highway 89 instead of the fast paced Local businesses. Bed and Breakfasts should enjoy this exciting venture. The year 2000 will mark a national kick-of- f for historical Highway 89. On Memorial Day weekend, Mt. Pleasant will feature its first ever Antique Fair. Those interested in participating can contact Glenda Seely, Mt. Pleasant Main Street Chair or Monte Bona at city hall. This week the Store House at the Confectionery, celebrates a Grand Opening and encourages everyone to come and enjoy savings on last minute gifts. In 1898 an old sign at the original Confectionery read, "We Sell Coalville Sweet Cream Ice Cream." There In keeping with Mt. Pleasant Main Street, which has the countrys most intact collection of historical commercial architecture, the Store Houses gift shop is designed to promote the areas culture and bistory, as well as offer a unique shopping experience. With the advent of the Utah Heritage Product Alliance and Historical Highway 89 promotion, Glenda Seely and Tresha Rasmussen feel that Sanpete is "Next Frontier" to the County be by those in search of a quiet weekend and historical adventure. MT. PLEASAN- T- Parties, friend and family and holiday meals all make this time of year exciting and fun, however, its not all that thrilling when waistlines expand and cholesterol levels soar. Its been said the average American gains anywhere from pounds during the holiday season, according to a Central Utah Public Health Department press release. For more information call the local Central Utah Public Health 1. Department office or (435) Store House, just yet, but one can find signature candy, delicious pastel chocolates and other divine confectioneries, along with gifts and home decor. When the Bishops Store House in Ephraim was originally built in 1906, necessities were what early Mormon Pioneers had in the store. In 1996 Glenda Seely and Tresha Rasmussen reopened the doors of the old Bishops Store House, and filled it with gifts, florals and home and cabin decor. Nov 19 marked another opening for entrepreneurs, Seely and Rassmussen. The Store House at the Confectionery, located at 86 west main on Mt. Pleasants Historical Main Street added a unique shop filled with gifts, antiques, childrens toys, specialty candy and country home decor. The Store House also features Elmira Stoves, music by Sanpetes James Oniel Miner and Sanpete historical throws. White Chfifcna! Moroni Feed Credit Union There are some things that can be done to make the holiday parties fun and yet be kind on the waistline and heart. Choose more fresh vegetables and fruits offered at parties rather than stocking up on desserts. Then, when at the dessert table, choose a smaller portion of things that are liked, enjoy, and stop there. Listening to the body and what it is really craving can help. The crudest lies are often told in silence. Robert Louis Stevenson Pn Thanks for brightening our lives this year. , 896-545- zA XT, CL0On Oq O' hope your holidays are filled with fun and happy surprises that will brighten your heart and home. 5-- 84 West Main, Moroni 268 South Main, Ephraim Federally Insured by NCUA (membership eligibility required) O O o Oouo O jClLo.Q G o 0d Ooo Ticture ofjfappiness Hope this season sets the scene for a spectacular Christmas for you and your family. The first airplane movie" was shown on Transcontinental in October 1929. "in-flig- ht is no ice cream at the o o Oo Oq o Q, . FOUNTAIN GREEN CITY Mayor Dean F. Hansen, Councilmembers: Dan Naylor, Lewis Rasmussen, Mary Gilgen, Michael Draper,. Nearly six million women belong to labor unions in the United States. Scott Collard; City Recorder Maureen Lund; Treasurer Lola Stewart; Chief of Police Jeff Nielsen; Its estimated that in the year 1650, the population of the world was 500 million. Roger Aagard, Maintenance; Judge Ron Ivory The country with the highest rate of inflation in recent times was Bolivia, with 8,274 percent for the year 1985 and an annual rate in August 1985 of 23,000 percent. Christmas by Candlelight y."uHpe2930 West Lutheran Church 9000 South West Jordan invites you to Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship 7:00 PM & 11:00 PM, Fri, Dec 241 Phone 860-304-1 for more into fO: (toll-frin SL & Utah County) NOW also reaching out to Utah County. Bible Classes soon in Provo & Spanish Pork! fw PTjnrTrwTfTrwTrmrTfTrmfTPmrTrT your holidays be merry and bright! May Thanks for keeping us smiling this year! Dr. Steven (mm Bench D.D.S. and Staff Fairview MUUUUU U U UUUUU UUUUUUUUUU UUUUUUULiUU ............ UUULIUIlXMUiJUUUUlUIUtiMI IIIIIIII inkiLikiUl I XX XXK J uti UUUUUU XIIKI.IK UUti i 1VV1 iVitiV, YOUR 19 i RRIfiES Were sending you our good GfiSSH wishes for the happiest of holidays. Thank you fbr your loyalty and patronage throughout the year. We hope to see KfBiJ - it, i000 m ms EORES.T CPG1B (MD0C9 COLDE IS2r(DG3E0G WZSDIDGSKIi? FISHER GO0! you soon. Country Cobbler 23 West Main Mt. Pleasant umiiiKvniiimiiiiiiniicx lllllllllkZllKlIK a aaaaaaaaaaai POOR