What is an Easter Egg Tree?
The Easter egg tree is a traditional decoration in Germany, Austria and several other countries in Eastern Europe. Though this tradition may hearken back to pagan ideas of sacrificing animals on trees, the egg has long been preempted as a Christian symbol, particularly connected to the ideas of rebirth and resurrection associated with Easter. Easter egg trees usually are either real outdoor trees or indoor plants or branches that have beautifully colored eggs hung upon them. In Germany people may find decorated trees outside during the Easter season, though many people also have them in their homes, and the tradition is definitely catching on in other countries, especially since the 1950s publication of Katherine Milhous’ The Easter Egg Tree, an award winning children’s story.
