Easter Tutorial: How To Make An Easter Tree?

In some departments of France, a tree is decorated for Christmas as well as for Easter! This tree adorned with eggs of all colors is a symbol of fertility, perfect for celebrating the return of spring. We are going to explain to you how to make an Easter tree in 5 questions.

Where does the tradition of the Easter tree come from?

The tradition of the Easter Tree or Osterbaum originates from Germany. In our German neighbors, this Easter tree is as significant as the Christmas tree!

This pagan tradition is relatively recent, as it dates back to the early 20th century. But it has already spread from Germany to the border regions of Alsace and Lorraine.

This springtime custom is so pretty and fun that it is starting to spread all over France and around the world.

Where to install an Easter tree?

Originally, Germans would decorate a tree in their garden to turn it into an Easter tree. They would select a specimen three weeks before the holiday and hang a few colored eggs each day using onion peels.

Provided you have a garden and the weather is mild enough, it is possible to continue the German tradition of the Osterbaum outdoors.

When conditions are not suitable, it is also possible to set up an Osterbaum in your living room. Tradition has it that the indoor Easter tree should be decorated on Maundy Thursday so that it can be enjoyed over the Easter weekend.

To place a decorative tree in your living room, simply gather branches from trees and shrubs in the wild and make a large bouquet. Here's an extra little tip to know: the more twisted the branches, the more beautiful your tree will be!

What decorations should be hung on an Easter tree?

Originally, Germans only hung colored eggs on their Osterbaum. Even though today you can find "fake" polystyrene eggs in craft stores, tradition dictates that real eggs should be decorated after being emptied.

In practice, make a hole at each end of the egg and blow into one of the holes to empty it. Perform this operation over a container to collect the eggs and avoid wasting anything. Once the eggs are empty, all that's left is to decorate them as you like, with paint or glitter, for example.

Note: in French regions where this tradition is deeply rooted, it's easy to find decorated eggs to hang on the tree. These multicolored eggs are numerous at the Easter market in the city of Colmar, for example.

Today, the Easter tree tradition has evolved in Germany as well as in France. The decorations have diversified, and other symbols of Easter such as bells, hens, and chicks are also hung.

What materials should be used to make an Easter tree?

Now that you have a clearer idea of what an Osterbaum is, here's a summary of the materials you will need to create your own Easter tree:

• A small bundle of thin, twisty branches.
• Real or artificial eggs to decorate.
• Easter decorations in the shape of bells, hens, or chicks.
• Preferably acrylic paint in pastel shades.
• Glitter and beads to decorate the eggs.
• Colored threads to hang them from the branches.
• A large vase filled with sand or soil.

How to decorate an Easter tree?

If this tutorial has inspired you to create an Easter tree in your living room, I recommend proceeding in the following order.

Start by decorating the eggs a few weeks in advance. You can even turn some eggs into chickens or bunnies by adding feathers and paper ears!

Also plan a trip to the forest to collect tree or shrub branches. The branches are usually left as they are. However, some people paint them white.

Once you have all the materials, fill the vase with sand or soil and stick the branches into this base to bring your osterbaum to life. All that's left is to hang the decorations you've prepared. Happy Easter to everyone!