The Easter Tree – A Tradition of Renewal and Growth

As spring awakens the world around us, many of us feel an instinct to bring nature indoors and celebrate the season of renewal. One of the most enchanting ways to do this is by creating an Easter tree, a tradition that has its roots in ancient customs and continues to be a beautiful expression of the changing seasons.

The Origins of the Easter Tree

The practice of decorating branches for spring goes back centuries, with ties to Germanic and Scandinavian traditions. Long before modern celebrations, people would bring budding branches into their homes, believing they symbolized fertility, renewal, and the promise of abundance for the year ahead. Eggs, a universal sign of life, were often hung on these branches, marking the rebirth of the earth after winter’s stillness.

This practice connects closely to Ostara, the ancient festival that welcomes the Spring Equinox. Named after the goddess Eostre (or Ostera), this festival honored fertility, dawn, and the return of light. The symbols we associate with Easter today—eggs, hares, and blooming flowers—originate from these early celebrations of nature’s renewal.

Creating Your Own Easter Tree

An Easter tree is a simple yet meaningful way to bring the energy of spring into your home. If you’re new to this tradition, start with a few natural elements and build from there:

• A foraged branch or small tree – Look for a beautifully twisted branch or budding twigs from your garden or a nature walk.
  
• Handmade ornaments
• Hanging painted eggs, silk ribbons, or felted decorations adds colour and movement to your tree.

Creating an Easter tree is not about perfection—it’s about celebrating the changing seasons, honouring nature, and bringing joy into your home.

Beautiful photos by the talented @apocketofforest