Near the top of my list of charming junk would have to be the blue bottle trees. This southern tradition is said to be African in origin. The bottles were hung in trees to trap evil spirits. It was believed when sunlight shone through the bottle an evil spirit would see it and fly into the bottle to investigate, and become trapped and unable to get out. I first heard of the blue bottle trees when listening to the wonderful stories of the storyteller, Kathryn Windham, of Selma, Alabama. Kathryn's stories of bottle trees, Jeffrey, her resident ghost, and the early days of Selma are a rare treat. I've superimposed a photo of a blue bottle tree on a Thomas Moran forest garden. I hope you've enjoyed the story!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Mixed Media Monday - Charming Junk
Near the top of my list of charming junk would have to be the blue bottle trees. This southern tradition is said to be African in origin. The bottles were hung in trees to trap evil spirits. It was believed when sunlight shone through the bottle an evil spirit would see it and fly into the bottle to investigate, and become trapped and unable to get out. I first heard of the blue bottle trees when listening to the wonderful stories of the storyteller, Kathryn Windham, of Selma, Alabama. Kathryn's stories of bottle trees, Jeffrey, her resident ghost, and the early days of Selma are a rare treat. I've superimposed a photo of a blue bottle tree on a Thomas Moran forest garden. I hope you've enjoyed the story!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Wow! I learn something new every day - thanks to me old friend, Bev. When I first opened the picture at this late hour (11pm) I thought "what beautiful colour in those flowers" and it took me a while to realise that they are actually bottles. What a great story and what a fantastic picture you have made. Standing ovation.
ReplyDeleteNice story and piece, Mom. I seem to recall having heard the "blue bottle tree story" a long time ago but had forgotten it! Makes me want to make a blue bottle tree of my own!! Love ya!
ReplyDeleteOh what a fab story Bev and what a wonderful blue bottle tree. Great work and interesting post my friend
ReplyDeletehugs June xxx
As a southern gal, I'm very familiar with bottle trees. In fact, we have one at our camp on Buckatuna Creek, in south Mississippi. I'm so glad you told this story, and now I'm inspired to start a new bottle tree here in Georgia.
ReplyDeleteI never heard of this before, Bev. This is a great creation, and a fascinating story behind it. I really enjoyed this entry of yours.
ReplyDeleteWell I didn't know that Bev, thank you for the story! I love the idea of it too. Great job and well done.
ReplyDeleteI thought the same thing as Ozstuff...some kind
ReplyDeleteof incredibly coloured fireweed, or something...what an absolutely great tradition; to hear about and to see!
If only my grandmom&mom had held on to those old blue "Milk of Magnesia" medicine bottles.....remeber "tipping back" quite a few when little just for the flavour! Very cool entry!
I love hearing stories from other cultures! This is a lovely post. I like your new banner, by the way. ~Lori
ReplyDeleteI always wondered what those were about though I have loved them without understanding their origin. I love bottle trees, bottle walls, bottle houses, bottle sculptures. I even like the word bottle! hee hee So, I absolutely love this! Charming is the perfect description!
ReplyDeletemarsha
You're so funny! Made me giggle when I saw those bottles on the tree!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea what's happened to Diane - hopefully nothing grave, but I haven't had an email back yet. Fingers crossed it's just PC problems...
Thanks for you comment on my card blog. I love your blue bottle story and the blue bottle picture. Sue
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBev....you have the most interesting info and projects! I love your bottle tree picture. I may try one here since we can only grow sandspurs and pines here ! One of these would be beauiful!
ReplyDeleteDelightful story and creation Bev!!! So glad you were inspired by the storyteller and shared it with us all! I Love blue glass and the idea of a bottle tree!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic picture and a good story to, love the blue bottle tree
ReplyDeleteWow, it's a fantastic piece, Bev. I haven't heard of the blue bottle trees, so yes, I really enjoyed the story! Diane
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful, Bev!
ReplyDelete