Crafting a Homemade Bottle Arbor: Step-by-Step Guide
In the heart of the Congo, more than a thousand years ago, the tradition of bottle trees was born. Contrary to popular belief, this practice did not originate in Ancient Egypt or Mesopotamia, but rather in Central Africa around the 9th century [1].
While both ancient civilizations had a profound relationship with trees and plants, using them for medicinal, symbolic, or ritualistic purposes, there is no concrete evidence linking the specific tradition of hanging bottles on trees (bottle trees) to these regions [3][4].
The tradition of bottle trees, as we know it today, can be traced back to the Congo. People in this region hung blue bottles upside down on trees and huts as charms to ward off evil spirits. This practice was a means of protection, with bottles by entryways trapping bad spirits and destroying them with sunlight [6].
The concept of a bottle tree evolved from the belief that the whir of the wind through a bottle was the sound of spirits trapped inside. Over time, this tradition found its way across the Atlantic, where it became a popular feature in gardens, particularly in the southern United States [2].
In modern times, bottle trees continue to be a captivating addition to gardens. For instance, the Antique Rose Emporium in Independence, Texas, showcases bottle trees, with real cedar trees adorned with colored bottles on dead branches. These trees provide a great way to recycle used wine bottles [5].
In a personal anecdote, one speaker's mother created a bottle tree, initially using a bottle brush tree before replacing it with a steel tree after a soccer ball accident claimed the original [7]. Another individual shared their experience of receiving a bottle tree for Mother's Day, only for it to meet an untimely end [8].
Despite the myth of bottle trees originating in Ancient Egypt or Mesopotamia, the historical roots of this unique tradition lie beyond these civilizations, firmly planted in African cultural practices dating from the 9th century Congo region.
References:
- The History of Bottle Trees
- The Bottle Tree: A Southern Tradition
- Bottle Trees in Ancient Egypt
- Bottle Trees in Ancient Mesopotamia
- Antique Rose Emporium
- The Meaning and History of Bottle Trees
- DIY Bottle Tree
- Bottle Tree Tragedy
Thisunique craft, the bottle tree, has its roots deeply embedded in the lifestyle of the Congo over a thousand years ago, as opposed to popular beliefs that suggest origins in Ancient Egypt or Mesopotamia. Today, with the growing emphasis on outdoor-living and home-and-garden enhancements, bottle trees are making a captivating comeback as a garden decor, often seen in establishments like the Antique Rose Emporium in Independence, Texas.
