Bottle trees—trees adorned with colorful glass bottles—stem from centuries-old Central African spiritual traditions, brought to the American South by enslaved people. In Hoodoo belief, the bottles lure and trap evil spirits until sunlight neutralizes them by morning; blue glass is considered especially potent, and the breeze-whistling through the necks is thought to be the spirits’ cries. More than decoration, these trees honor ancestors and shield homes—symbols of resilience, faith, and cultural heritage.