The Mistletoe Dangled Over...

Ash: There's a feeling I'm getting

I just can't explain

Makin' me glad tonight

Maybe it's Christmas

Maybe the snow

Maybe the mistletoe

Misty: There's a secret I'm keepin'

That no one can hear

A feeling deep in my heart

Maybe this Christmas

My true love will show

Under the mistletoe...

-- "Under the Mistletoe", from Pokémon Christmas Bash

Popularly, the mistletoe around this time of year (Christmas) is seen as a romantic symbol, thanks to the belief being perpetuated in tradition and song. Pokémon Christmas Bash seemingly wanted to get in on the action as well and pay homage to this state of affairs - certainly with a Pokémon twist - and that led to the song quoted above being included. The song also carries other implicative matters that some fans might recognize and identify with.

Before getting into that, it is important to note the particulars of the song. The song is sung as a duet by Ash and Misty (courtesy of their original English voice talents Veronica Taylor and Rachael Lillis), with Pikachu added in for good measure. Structurally, the song is composed of mostly verses - the initial two verses being quoted above and all of them having references to the theme - as well as a spoken bridge and an "outro", the latter being where the song "devolves" quite a bit. It's a riot; I recommend listening to it for the full experience.

Since Ash and Misty sing this song, there are allusions to the "shipping" of the two, particularly by fans who still feel that they have some interest in each other. If the lyrics of the song suggest anything in implication, though, it is that at least Misty shows love interest in someone (unspecified) while Ash denies of having any, also evidenced by Misty hoping to get close and under the mistletoe while Ash hopes to steer clear or at the very least feign it... until the two are ultimately caught under.

As noted in a previous post, I don't particularly subscribe to "shipping", with or without Ash being involved. Therefore, I tend to regard the above song as a mildly humorous take on the age-old Christmas tradition. In fact, that could be a hidden intent: to suggest that the "shipped" relationship above may not be the norm, even in this special case. Of course, for those who do subscribe to "shipping", the relationship could always be the norm regardless of everything else. The choice is for one to make.

Whatever happens, the mistletoe tradition is one that is timeless, and in going by the above song, it may be something that transcends worlds as well. The romantic implications that arise may just be a total fantasy or at the least a wonder of imagination. How that plays out with Ash and Misty may depend on one's views, but with the mistletoe dangling over their heads as suggested in the song, all bets might just be off.

One year ago: Christmas Song, Really

Two years ago: Let's Go Play with Buddies

Three years ago: Keeping Homes in Hearts

Four years ago: Cool Wintry Song