The Bitter End

from Southern Tides December 2018

Editor's Note

Trimming the Tree

By Captain J. Gary “Gator” Hill

Ah, cool weather has finally returned to the land, banishing the sand gnats and mosquitos to their winter slumber. We’ve made it through the pounds-adding fare of Thanksgiving and the lines of Black Friday and put the 2018 hurricane season officially behind us. Now on to what lies ahead: wintertime magic. It’s time to plan for Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, or whatever holiday you celebrate.

For some of us, our fondest memories of childhood were helping mom and dad trim the Christmas tree. This month, I’m going to talk about trees and decorations – but not the Christmas variety.

Have you ever seen blue or green bottles hanging from trees while out riding in the lowcountry? Some of you probably know what I’m referring to: the “bottle trees” that have adorned the lowcountry and Appalachian landscapes for centuries.

Although some may think this tradition started here in the lowcountry, it’s more commonly acknowledged as originating in the Congo in the ninth century, though there’s some speculation that it started many centuries before that in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Whatever the case may be, they share the same basic purpose of making great traps for haints and evil spirits.

During my years, I’ve seen very elaborate trees as works of art, and very simple posts with spindles angled upward to hold the bottles. Also commonly seen in the lowcountry are live trees hosting the bottles.

Many folks argue over which glass color or shapes work best, but cobalt blue tends to be a favorite among the spirit world, though it’s common to see green, red or even clear bottles used.

The premise is simple. At night, as spirits wander about the land awaiting souls to devour, they become mesmerized by the color of the glass. Being curious by nature, the spirit will enter the bottle through the neck and then be trapped. As morning sunlight hits the bottle, the rays of golden light destroy the spirit so it can no longer roam this mortal world. If you pass by a bottle tree in the late evening hours you can sometimes here the moaning sounds of trapped spirits.

Opinions abound not only about the color, but also how the bottles are attached, and the direction the bottles are placed. For example, some say the bottle neck must be up, otherwise the spirit can slither out the bottom and escape, while others believe that facing down over the end of the branch is preferable.

No matter your belief, the one thing that holds true is that these bottle trees are important ties to our early culture. In a time where history and culture have been pushed to the wayside, I feel these bits and pieces are crucial. And let’s face it, who wants haints

A traditional bottle tree near Lazaretto Creek, where a segment of the WGN series Underground was filmed. Photo by Captain J. Gary Hill

hanging ‘round your house or garden, right?

Often referred to as a poor man’s stained glass, bottle trees are simple to make. Why not be creative this holiday season and make use of your wine or spirits bottles and create your own garden centerpiece? Until next time, Merry Christmas and happy holidays. May you and your family and friends be blessed and kept safe through this special time.

Until next time, have a blessed life and I'll see y'all on the water!

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lyn@coldwellbanker.com

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