Southern Spirit Catchers

[Willow]

Have you ever thought now why would people hang bottles in trees?

Did you know?
If you listen closely, you can hear the moans of the trapped spirits in the bottles when the wind blows.



It used to be that you could see bottle trees scattered all over the Southern landscape. Usually in the country or along the bayous of Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennesee, and Alabama, bottle trees are a colorful folk tradition with the purpose of warding off evil spirits.


According to Wikipedia, "Glass 'bottle trees' orginated in Northern Africa during a period when superstitious people believed that a genii or imp could be captured in a glass bottle. Legend had it that empty glass bottles placed outside the home could "capture" roving (usually evil) spirits at night, and the spirit would be destroyed the next day in the sunshine. This practice was taken to Europe and North America by African slaves. While Europeans adapted them into hollow glass spheres known as "witch balls" the practice of hanging bottles in trees became widespread in the Southern states of North America, where they continue to be used today as colorful garden ornaments.

I think the blue bottles hung in the trees are pretty, I just might make one,lol It would give people around here something to talk about .... I hope you enjoyed this! Willow

[R A I N]

I have a friend's mom that doesn't hang them....she slides the bottles on at the ends of the branches. It's a very awesome sight. I never knew the meaning behind it though. Thank you for sharing this, Willow = )

[Kat - Administrator]

Will this technique capture a Genie too? LOL wishful thinking.

It's the same as if you were to blow into a bottle how it makes that low pitch sound when you blow into it. The wind causes the same effect.

But I bet that would be a sight to see having a bunch of bottles hanging in trees.
I have driven by a house that hung hubcaps from cars in trees...now that's what I called one eye sore.

Interesting story..thanks for sharing that.

[earthsong]

I enjoyed the pretty picture and story. I never heard anything like it.

[Willow]

[Kelly Ku'ulei/Seraphim]

How interesting & colorful!

Tidbit of info. ~ The Japanese fishing ships used to drop tons of glass ball floats into the ocean, which in turn the current would slowly carry them to the Hawaiian islands. These huge glass & colorful balls use to be an outdoor decorative statement for the homeowners. Perhaps this is why the spirit activity was kept to a minimum. Thanks Willow.


Peace, Love, Light & Happiness.

[Willow]

I have a few of these I love them...

[earthsong]

Just wondering. The first picture with the tree that has no leaves on it. It that tree inside our outside? I couldn't tell. That would be a great porch decoration with all those colorful bottles.

[Tkay - Moderator]

They are pretty hanging in trees, but I guess living in Florida I would say they might be little hotels for Mosquitoes to breed in.

[Jane]

wow how interesting. fascinating. what a great idea - using colored glass bottles it would be beautiful - and those glass balls from hawaii are awesome Seraphim. remind me a bit of the tops of the telephone poles from the old days as well.

maybe I will make one too - if I can find some nice old colored glass bottles....

take a look at this website
http://www.backyardbirdsdiscoverycenter.com/products.php?cat=394

or this one
http://www.bottle-tree.com/

jane

[Jane]

does it matter how you place them - will the sound still go through it with the wind - wondering since some are placed on the branches and some are hanging.

[Willow]

Wow Jane thanks for the cool sites! With my thinking I don't no that you would get the sound with the bottles on the branchs,but if you hang them the top is opened to the wind.

[Tkay - Moderator]

I like the idea of them being upside down. I would like one also! Good post Willow! Nice links, Jane!