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The Easter egg tree is a traditional decoration in many Eastern European countries, using real or artificial trees or branches with blown-out eggs dyed or painted. It’s a Christian symbol of rebirth and resurrection, and can be bought or made as a craft.
The Easter egg tree is a traditional decoration in Germany, Austria and many other Eastern European countries. While this tradition may tie back to pagan ideas of sacrificing animals on trees, the egg has long been considered a Christian symbol, particularly connected to the ideas of rebirth and resurrection associated with Easter. Easter egg trees are usually real outdoor trees or indoor plants or branches that hang beautifully colored eggs. In Germany people can find trees decorated outdoors during the Easter season, although many people also have them in their homes, and the tradition is definitely catching on in other countries, especially since the 1950s publication of The Easter Egg Tree by Katherine Milhous, an award winning children’s story.
People can buy ready-made Easter egg trees, but many people prefer to make their own trees and enjoy making one as an Easter craft. Especially when kids might be too old to hunt for eggs, adding this tradition to homes might be a great idea. The tree also makes a perfect Easter centerpiece on a dinner table.
In most cases, the eggs used on an Easter egg tree aren’t hard-boiled, which is a common method of coloring eggs in places like the United States. Instead the yolk and albumen are blown out of the egg, which makes the remaining shell feel very light. A small hole in the top of each egg can be used to attach a small ribbon or hook.
The eggs are usually dyed and the dyes can be bright or muted colors depending on preference. Some people paint their eggs instead, and both methods are completely acceptable. Some people use pre-colored chicken eggs. Green or blue eggs from Aracauna hens or red eggs from Marans hens may be used, although these eggs can be more expensive and difficult to find.
The tree itself can be a lot of different things. Some people use tree branches and artfully arrange them in a vase. Some bush branches are favored for this as well and would include things like ornamental quince or willow. A mixed tradition might hang the eggs on larger Japanese bonsai plants, and others buy artificial plants or small trees to hang the eggs on. It’s really a matter of personal preference.
For those who would rather skip searching for branches or plants and dying eggs, there are many websites that offer Easter egg tree paper crafts. These can be fun for parents and kids to make together. Others make the eggs out of materials like playdough or clay, and this could be a great way to let very young children participate in creating an Easter egg tree for the home.
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