Crafting a Home-made Bottle Arbor: Step-by-step Instructions
In the heart of the American South, a unique blend of cultural symbolism and natural beauty can be found in the form of bottle trees. These intriguing structures have roots deeply embedded in Central and Western African traditions, dating back as early as the 9th century.
Originating from African spiritual practices, bottle trees were believed to capture or ward off evil spirits. This belief saw the use of colored glass bottles being placed in the branches of trees, a practice carried over to the Americas by enslaved Africans during the Transatlantic slave trade. Over time, bottle trees evolved into a symbol of heritage and protection [3][4].
The name "bottle tree" can also refer to certain trees native to Australia and Africa, such as the Queensland Bottle Tree and the baobab, which have swollen, bottle-shaped trunks that store water. The Australian boab is believed to have reached Australia by long-distance seed dispersal from Africa, reflecting a botanical connection across continents [2][5].
The term "bottle gourd" relates to a cultivated plant with a long history of domestication in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The durable, hollowed fruits of this plant were often used as containers or vessels resembling bottles, suggesting a practical origin for related symbolic bottle tree representations [1].
Our story begins with the author's mom, who decided to create a DIY bottle tree inspired by an online post from a Mississippi artist named Stephanie Dwyer. After purchasing different diameters of steel round rod from a local steel supply store, she hired a family friend to craft a 10-foot tall bottle tree. The steel rod for the tree cost $150.
The author's mom replaced a dead bottle brush tree, a Mother's Day gift from the author, with this new bottle tree. The clear and green bottles on the tree are old wine bottles collected from friends. This creative and eco-friendly bottle tree serves as colorful yard art, adding a sparkle to the backyard.
For those who prefer a ready-made bottle tree, there are options available. For instance, a simple bottle tree can be found on Amazon, though the exact cost remains undisclosed. Alternatively, the Antique Rose Emporium in Independence, Texas offers bottle trees made with real cedar trees and colored bottles placed on dead branches.
The idea of a bottle tree has been around since glass bottles were invented around 1600 B.C. in Egypt and Mesopotamia. People believed that the whir of the wind through a bottle was the sound of spirits trapped inside, and the next step was to put a cap on the bottle to trap the bad spirits inside. The light of a sunny day would destroy the evil spirits, keeping people safer. People kept bottles by entryways to protect their home from evil spirits, thus creating the bottle tree [6].
In conclusion, the bottle tree is a fascinating blend of cultural symbolism and natural beauty, with roots in African spiritual traditions, botanical origins, and practical uses. Whether DIY or store-bought, a bottle tree adds a unique touch to any garden, while also carrying a rich history that spans continents and centuries.
References:
- Bottle Gourd
- Queensland Bottle Tree
- Bottle Tree
- African-American Bottle Trees
- Boab
- Bottle Tree Mythology
Crafts inspired by the traditional bottle tree can be found in modern home-and-garden lifestyles, contributing to the outdoor-living aesthetic of a backyard. For instance, the striking DIY bottle tree crafted by the author's mom adds vibrant color and a touch of history to the garden.
