Mount Vernon Kissing Ball OrnamentBy the 18th century, images of main public rooms in English homes depict a large cluster of mistletoe hanging in the center. At Christmas time, a young lady standing under a mistletoe "kissing ball", brightly trimmed with evergreens, ribbons, and ornaments, could not refuse to be kissed. Such a kiss could mean deep romance or lasting friendship and goodwill. If the girl remained un-kissed, she could not expect to marry the following year. On the twelfth night of Christmas, the evergreen ball was often burned to ensure true love would prevail. Ornament is 3" x 3". Red ribbon for hanging with a small "Mount Vernon" oval attached is included.