| Bottle tree spirits
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A mere mention of the bottle tree spirits to today’s generation
X might raise more than a few eye brows, for the simple reason that
not too many are aware of this quaint African-American practice that
tries to ward of the affect of evil spirits with bottles hanging on
a tree! Now while that may sound over simplified, the history of such
a custom might be traced back to African slaves who brought this tradition
of theirs to America.
The bottle tree spirits is all about capturing of the evil spirits that
wander around the vicinity of your home into a glass bottle hung on
a tree. It is understood that the bottle tree tradition has survived
till today and this generation. Visibility of this tradition is to be
seen more in the traditional South. Bottle trees spirits have been commonly
seen in the eastern Carolinas and Southside Virginia.
The presence of bottle tree spirits today, bears testimony to the influences
of Voodoo practice allied in confluence with the remnants of Afro-American
culture and folk lore woven into a delicate fabric, practiced today
as a part of American culture. In fact there are even those who started
the practice without knowing much about the history and the tradition
behind the practice but have now adapted it as a part of their lives.
Tradition has it that African people believe that bottles hung on the
branches of a tree, would be helpful in warding of the evil eye. People
were scared of evil spirits that roamed free in their vicinity and this
was their attempt at capturing them. It is said that the glass bottles
usually cobalt blue in color were placed on the heaven facing branches
of Cedar trees, the glint and sparkle of glass was helpful in capturing
the evil spirit into the bottles thus stopping any evil activities therein.
Interesting folk lore has it that bottle tree spirits were a part of
the family’s efforts in trying to ward of the spirit of a loved
who is dead. The fear factor here being that the spirit comes to claim
its loved ones. To add twist to the tale the talisman for warding evil
eye is also heard to be emitting wails of the trapped spirits.
Now whether you are a believer of the evil eye or the entrapment of
these souls in distress, you sure could do with one such piece in your
garden. In fact the bottle tree spirits has today evolved into a garden
fashion statement, if you please! There are manufacturers of bottle
tree spirits with beautiful colored glass bottles that are designed
specially to enhance the beauty of the garden and in the same breadth
if one can be rid of the evil eye, you have a winning combination.
The Europeans have adapted the bottle tree spirits in their own way
by incorporating hollow glasspitchers known as ‘witch balls’.
On a diversified note the bottle tree meant to entrap spirits has actually
evolved to be more than just that. Today people have made it a part
of their homes in trying to creatively decorate their gardens while
capturing the spirit of the evil into their blissful lives.
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