A Spectacular Speckled Spectacle: The Story of the 10,000 Egg Tree and the Tradition of German Easter Trees

A family in Germany has a tradition of decorating a tree outside their home with 10,000 Easter eggs! It takes them about two weeks to complete this amazing feat.

Their tradition began in 1965 and has continued ever since. These colorful decorated trees, called Eierbaum, Osterbaum or Ostereierbäume in German, are a common sight in Germany during Easter.

See the original 10,000 easter egg tree decoration article by clicking here

Spring is a time of renewal, and for many cultures, Easter marks a joyous celebration of new beginnings. In Germany, the tradition of decorating trees with eggs takes this celebration to a whole new level. This article dives into the fascinating story of the 10,000 Egg Tree in Saalfeld, Germany, explores the history and variations of German Easter trees (Ostereierbäume), and provides tips for creating your own dazzling display and appreciating the art of intricately decorated eggs.

The Legendary 10,000 Egg Tree: A Feat of Dedication and Dazzling Display

Nestled in the heart of eastern Germany lies the town of Saalfeld, forever linked to a remarkable Easter tradition. For over 50 years, the Kraft family, led by Volker Kraft, meticulously adorned an apple tree in their garden with hand-painted Easter eggs. This wasn’t your average Easter basket decoration. By 2012, the tree boasted a staggering 10,000 eggs, a testament to the family’s dedication and the sheer joy of the tradition.

Sadly, due to storage limitations and the sheer volume of eggs, the Kraft family decided to stop adding to the tree in 2015. However, the legend of the 10,000 Egg Tree lives on, a reminder of the transformative power of Easter decorations and the enduring spirit of German traditions.

Beyond Saalfeld: Unveiling the History of German Easter Trees

The tradition of decorating trees with eggs in Germany, known as Ostereierbaum or Osterbaum, stretches back centuries. The exact origins remain unclear, but some historians believe it stems from pagan fertility rituals that were later incorporated into Christian Easter celebrations. Eggs, symbolizing new life and rebirth, became a natural choice for adorning trees during this springtime holiday.

Over time, the tradition evolved. Initially, real eggs were used, but as the practice gained popularity, hand-painted wooden eggs became more common. Today, Ostereierbäume come in all shapes and sizes, adorned with a dazzling array of colorful eggs, ribbons, and other decorations.

» Read more

When Did Americans Start Celebrating the Easter Bunny?

The German immigrant tradition of the Easter Bunny and colorful eggs in a basket (started by German Lutherans) was a favorite time of the spring for our family. 

Growing up as a kid in the 60’s and 70’s you were excited to wake up early Easter morning to large, colorful (candy) eggs that were about half the size of a normal real egg.

 


 

German-Easter-Bunny

Original Author: Bethany Blankley

The Easter Bunny first gained popularity in America in the early twentieth century. It was depicted as a colorful rabbit bringing Easter eggs and candy in a basket to small children.

First called the Easter Hare, and made popular by German Lutherans, the bunny was supposed to judge whether or not children had been “good or bad.” The bunny’s story…

See the rest of the original article by clicking this link


It was a big reward for all of us siblings to collect as many eggs as possible as we searched all over the house for them high and low. They were carefully hidden by the Easter Bunny the night before while we were all sleeping.

Sometimes the Easter Bunny would hide his eggs in the most amusing places too. One year I discovered an Easter egg that was hidden in the salt shaker on the kitchen table.

As a small child growing up, the thought of the annual Easter Bunny coming to our house brought about somewhat of an anxiety attack. The thought of him at that time was terrifying.

harvey2

Keep in mind from my adolescent “kid” prospective, there was a movie that was aired every Easter weekend featuring James Stewart. The movie was called, “Harvey.”

This “Harvey” movie used to scare me and my younger brothers senseless, mostly because Harvey was presumed to be somewhat very large compared to us little kids.

Harvey was said to be 6 foot tall (actually 6’3 1/2″) and the very worst thing of all… he was invisible too!