Judge — December 9, 1893 — page 20: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains two related cartoon panels satirizing courtship customs. The caption suggests the cartoons joke about mistletoe—traditionally associated with romantic kissing at Christmas. The upper panel shows what appears to be a chaotic social scene with multiple figures in elaborate dress, possibly depicting a holiday gathering or dance where romantic entanglements occur. The lower panel shows a formal gentleman in dark clothing with two women in white dresses, likely illustrating the "mistletoe moment" the title references. The satire appears to mock Victorian-era courtship rituals and the somewhat artificial "permission" mistletoe provided for otherwise restricted physical affection between unmarried people. The phrase "their only chance" suggests commentary on how limited women's romantic opportunities were without such social conventions providing cover.