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| Bottle trees are an old form of Appalachian folk magic that originated in Africa. Still used, they're found near houses to protect homes from evil spirits. Bottles of any color can be used, though blue is the favorite. The bottles are slipped onto bare tree branches, with the neck facing toward the trunk. At night, malevolent spirits are caught in the bottles and are believed to be destroyed in the sunlight the following day. According to folklore, on windy nights the spirits can be heard moaning in agony. Bottle trees are steeped in antiquity and are related to the occult belief of genies being trapped in bottles. Today an essence of bottle tree magic still survives in the form of the garden gazing ball.
Bottle trees are fun and easy to make. Just use your imagination. I've even seen them made using metal sculptures, and in this manner they resemble garden ornaments. |
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