Easter trees, also known as Easter egg trees, are trees which you decorate with hanging Easter eggs when this time of the year comes round. This has been a popular tradition in Germany for many centuries, but it is also gaining popularity elsewhere too. Apart from anything else, it gives us all a great opportunity to get into the spirit of the season. Let’s take a look at where this tradition came from, and some ideas to create and decorate your very own Easter tree…
A Spring Decoration
Marking the changing of the seasons with décor is a great thing to do for the mind, body and soul. We are all about seasonal decorations here at Inspirations, so we think that this Easter tradition is definitely one to try out. For the spring, you can really make the most of the lengthening days, brighter sun and blooming flowers by marking this time out with special decorations around the home. We have the Christmas tree to celebrate the end of the year, so why not make the most of this German tradition to do the same in the spring?
Although Easter trees are often large outdoor projects in Germany, they also work really well indoors. They can serve as a cute and colourful addition to the Easter celebrations. As a characterful Easter feature, these trees allow you to play with the bright or pastel colours of the Easter eggs that will hang from the tree. A warm and fun feature to bring into the home, the Easter tree would also work in many a commercial setting, such as a shop or a café window display.
Where Did Easter Trees Come From?
It’s always interesting to go back a little bit into history to unearth the roots of our present day cultural traditions. In terms of the Easter tree, as already mentioned, we head to Germany to learn about how it all started. Although the very early roots of the tradition is uncertain, it is known that the practice of decorating trees and bushes with eggs for Easter (also known as Ostereierbaum) is centuries old in Germany.
It may even go back into antiquity, as we know that the egg is an ancient symbol for life in many different cultures across the world. This makes sense, as life emerges from the egg; and indeed this is what happens in the spring, with not only animals being born at this time but also many plants and flowers coming into life. The colourful eggs represent new life just in same way as do the newly vivid colours on flowers in the garden as they start to bloom.
Today, the custom is still very popular in Germany, but it is also found in other countries such as German-speaking Switzerland, Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, as well as the Pennsylvania Dutch region of the USA. In some of these countries and regions, the tradition can be witnessed happening not only at Easter but also during other Pagan and Christian celebration periods such as May Day, Christmas, Whitsun and summer solstice.
How to Create and Decorate Your Own
If you would like to make your own Easter tree, then you can start off by either using a real or artificial tree (or branches).
If you are using the real thing, you can either use a living tree which has enough bare branches to hang your ornaments onto, or you can gather twiggy branches from a nearby forest or your garden and then fasten them together in a plant pot or vase. For example, those that might work well would include: pussy willow, forsythia, cherry blossom, magnolia, or dogwood, among others. Basically, the trees with flowering branches that have a good amount of bare branch and are of a manageable size for your home.
You may find it easier to work with an artificial option, as it might be tricky to find the correct size and type of real branches. There are white twig trees (with LEDs too!) and beautiful large artificial blossom trees that would make an ideal base for your creation. You could even repurpose your Christmas tree and cover it in Easter decorations and faux spring flowers! Or try something on a smaller scale with faux branches to build a bundle for a display.
Easter Tree Decoration Ideas
Hanging Easter Eggs
You will then assemble your ornaments for the tree. Chief among these Easter decorations will be the hanging Easter eggs. We love the idea of pairing up your tree with Easter eggs which boast beautiful light pastel tones or bright colours, as these would work so well in contrast to the brown tone of the branches. It really doesn’t just have to be eggs, though. This is where you can let your imagination run wild. Express yourself, as you would with a Christmas tree, so that the Easter tree tells a story of your personality.
Easter Bunny Decorations, Chicks & More
The general Easter theme would be expressed through the eggs, however, there are lots of other options too. If you always used to be excited about the Easter bunny, revive that excitement and add some Easter bunnies into the mix. The bright, light yellow tone of some Easter chick themed hanging decorations might also work a treat. Or try celebrating the bees with some bee themed hanging decorations for your tree.
Make it a Family Event
If you have children, then this could be a lovely time spent with the kids. Decorating the Christmas tree is always a fun and warming family event, so why not make the Easter tree feel just as special and exciting? Pick up a new collection of stylish and fun Easter decorations, set them out in front of you and your family, and work out what looks best by experimenting with different combinations.
To make things really personal, you can even work with fun ideas like hanging up family photos or photos of your garden bloom at springtime. This will create a really eclectic and unique feel which will express a sense of family character.
Pick Your Colour Palette & Personalise
As well as the colourful route, you could also work with white, cream, grey or light brown tones to create more of a neutral palette. After all, Easter trees should work with the decor of their surroundings and your own style. So, if you want to have an Easter egg tree but also want to maintain more of a modern, minimalist feel, then the neutral colours could work well. For a luxurious look, try metallics like gold or bronze. Or pick the colour palette that best suits your, your home or your business.
Add Some DIY Fun
If you want to do the whole thing as a DIY activity, then you can even paint your own eggs and then hang them up using your own selection of colourful ribbons which you have glued to the egg. This will take a little bit more time and effort, but it might also be an enjoyable and calming activity to do to usher in the new season and turn over a new leaf.