The Surprising History Behind Bottle Trees. Ever seen a tree covered in colorful glass bottles and wondered what it was? That’s a bottle tree—and it’s more than just quirky yard decor. Ancient Roots, Deep Meaning. Bottle trees trace back to Central Africa as early as the 9th century and came to the American South with enslaved Africans. Today, they symbolize protection, heritage, and ancestral connection.
Why Bottles?
Folklore says evil spirits are drawn to shiny bottles. Once inside, sunlight traps them, and the wind through the necks creates eerie whistles—believed to be the spirits’ cries.