We recently bought a bottle tree. It is a traditional outdoor element in the South. What I mean by traditional is that is it not uncommon to see them near woods, or in trees, in people’s yards or around small Southern towns. Their purpose is to ward of evil spirits and protect residents from those who would do them harm. What we bought was the rusted metal tree stand, the bottles we had to add ourselves. There are more now since this picture was taken.
The bottle tree sits in our yard where anyone who drives up to the house can see it. It stands in place, rain or shine, Summer and Winter protecting the people from harm. As the light hits the bottles, it projects colorful beams of light all around…maybe that is it’s superpower at work. The bottles are old ones – moonshine, wine, Dr Pepper, Coca-Cola, mason jars, an old alka seltzer container, an antique syrup jar, even a Pepto Bismal bottle. I have a dear friend who collects bottles and she gave us half of what you see here.
Each bottle has a story to tell. It protected some important liquid or ingredient that added life to life. Each bottle is a different shape, size, or color and there are still a few branches without bottles. What I think is very cool is that my friend gave many of them to us as a simple act of friendship. So each time I see the bottle tree I think of the wonderful adventures, important times, the service and blessing each bottle provided…just like my friend. No life is one shape or size, just like none of the bottles are the same or served the same purpose.
I think the bottle tree is more than just an old wives tale; it is a way to honor the events, people, and friendships that have shaped who we are. The people and events of our past have made us who we are today, and if we have the courage to embrace them then we are wiser for each lesson we remember. Each purpose the bottle or friend provided along our path deserves to be remembered. Some friends soothe like Pepto Bismal. Some friends refresh like Dr Pepper or Coca-Cola. And some friends sustain us along the long journey of life like fruit preserves in a mason jar. Collecting the bottles and friends of life really will ward off harm. For it is the power and love that true friendship provides that sustains us during our darkest hours. The bottle tree is our reminder or warm friends and wonderful times…what better to ward off evil than hopeful elements of life.
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