We are all familiar with Christmas Trees but how many people decorate an Easter Tree? They have long been a tradition in parts of Europe, Germany and Austria for example where evergreen trees would be decorated with brightly coloured eggs – the symbol of rebirth and renewal. They have also become a tradition in the united States since the time of the Civil War, this tradition became far more popular following the publication of Katherine Millhouse’s book, The Easter Tree.

The decorations are mainly painted eggs, but little baskets or Easter Bonnets richly decorated with ribbons are often used as well. The Eggs have generally been blown and then decorated in many colours and patterns. If you store them carefully, and the weather has not been too hard on them, they can last for many years. In the United States generally just the chosen Easter Tree is decorated in the garden, but in Europe those decorations spread all over the garden making a wonderful spectacle as you wander round the towns and villages during the Easter period. Often Public Buildings are decorated too. The Spring Festival has been celebrated in Northern Europe since pagan times when the Goddess Eostre would come with her Hare (the forerunner of the Easter Bunny) to bring new life.

Most Easter Trees are outdoors in the garden – and you can use a suitable bush if you want. If you make an indoor Easter Tree you should be sure to decorate beneath the tree with all the symbols of Spring and new life, not to mention a few small empty baskets for the Easter Bunny to fill with good things. The trees can be decorated with birds, especially chicks, bunnies, small cakes and coloured ribbon – you can find lots of ideas at Easter Made Easy In truth with your Tree anything goes to make it a truly colourful salute to spring.