I have now made it my mission to seek out the mysterious Bottle Tree. The magical voodoo symbol can be spotted in rural landscapes throughout the South. The origin of bottle trees is greatly disputed. Some claim that they first appeared in Africa. Others say it’s an all- American tradition.
I plan to continue snapping pictures of bottle trees. My first is of a man-made tree. Nowadays, many are. My father took this picture, as we tip-toed onto the property of the owner of two bottle trees. Thankfully, we were not caught. I’m not sure how we would have explained our presence. My efforts will be rewarded when I find the traditional version of the tree, complete with the clanking sounds of bottles, overflowing with evil spirits, dancing from a nearly dead tree.
Initially found in cemeteries to protect the dead from evil spirits, the bottle tree has transformed into a folk art institution. Once considered an African American practice, the construction of bottle trees has now been embraced by anyone that identifies himself as Southern. From farmers to lawyers, bottle trees unite our culture, and our belief in Southern ideals.
So, where did my quest begin?
Literature, of course! Bottle trees are prominent in novels by James Lee Burke, Eudora Welty stories, and of course the amazing children’s book Because of Winn Dixie. I also caught a glimpse of one in the movie Ray, about the late- great Ray Charles.
I’ll be honest, though, this southern icon was first brought to my attention by a bakery in Oxford, MS. Bottletree Bakery is a favorite stop of most Oxonians. Where else can you find the most delectable blueberry muffins, complete with a heavy dusting of sugar? Coffee and tea pour like water, as patrons rush to find seats in the most popular stop in town. The drifting smells intoxicate church goers after a long service at St. Peter’s Episcopal. Who could pass up a cup of Joe and a buttery croissant? I know I never could. While waiting for my treats, I often read the brief history of the restaurant, and the explanation of the title. It always intrigued me. Five years after my graduation from the University of Mississippi, I find myself still drawn to pursue
I’ll be honest, though, this southern icon was first brought to my attention by a bakery in Oxford, MS. Bottletree Bakery is a favorite stop of most Oxonians. Where else can you find the most delectable blueberry muffins, complete with a heavy dusting of sugar? Coffee and tea pour like water, as patrons rush to find seats in the most popular stop in town. The drifting smells intoxicate church goers after a long service at St. Peter’s Episcopal. Who could pass up a cup of Joe and a buttery croissant? I know I never could. While waiting for my treats, I often read the brief history of the restaurant, and the explanation of the title. It always intrigued me. Five years after my graduation from the University of Mississippi, I find myself still drawn to pursue
this amazing history.
I plan to continue snapping pictures of bottle trees. My first is of a man-made tree. Nowadays, many are. My father took this picture, as we tip-toed onto the property of the owner of two bottle trees. Thankfully, we were not caught. I’m not sure how we would have explained our presence. My efforts will be rewarded when I find the traditional version of the tree, complete with the clanking sounds of bottles, overflowing with evil spirits, dancing from a nearly dead tree.
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