For years, the Easter Egg Tree in Saalfeld, Germany, stood as a captivating symbol of tradition, creativity, and the joy of the holiday season. Decorated with over 10,000 colorful Easter eggs, it was a sight to behold—a testament to the dedication and love of the Kraft family.
The tradition of decorating trees during the holiday season has deep roots in German culture. Originating in the 16th century with the introduction of the Christmas tree, Germans have long embraced the practice of adorning trees with ornaments. But the festive spirit doesn’t end with Christmas; it carries over into Easter as well.
The Easter Tree, or “Osterbaum” in German, is a beloved custom in the eastern part of the country, particularly in Thuringia and Saxony. This tradition has its roots in ancient pagan rituals, where painted eggs were hung on branches to symbolize new life and fertility during the springtime.
Christa and Volker Kraft took this tradition to a whole new level. Their dedication and passion for decorating their garden’s Easter tree knew no bounds. For years, they meticulously hung over 10,000 eggs on the tree, transforming it into a dazzling spectacle that attracted visitors from near and far.
But sadly, 2015 marked the end of an era. The family made the difficult decision to cease their Easter decorations, and the garden where the Easter Egg Tree stood was permanently closed on April 7th of that year. The news left many admirers of this remarkable tradition feeling a sense of loss and nostalgia.
The Kraft family’s commitment to their Easter Egg Tree was nothing short of extraordinary. It took them nearly two weeks each year to carefully hang all of the eggs, ensuring that each one found its perfect spot on the branches. The result was a breathtaking display of vibrant colors, patterns, and designs—a true testament to the artistic spirit of Easter.
Visitors to the garden were enchanted by the sheer beauty and dedication displayed by the Kraft family. The Easter Egg Tree became a symbol of community, bringing people together to marvel at its splendor and celebrate the season of rebirth.
While the garden may be closed and the tradition may have come to an end for the Kraft family, the memories and legacy of the Easter Egg Tree will live on. It will forever be remembered as a shining example of the enduring spirit of Easter and the power of family traditions.
As we bid farewell to the Easter Egg Tree in Saalfeld, let us cherish the memories it created and the joy it brought to countless hearts. May it serve as a reminder of the beauty of tradition and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.
It took the Kraft family around two weeks to hang all 10,000 eggs
They started the family tradition in 1965 with 18 Eastern eggs
In 1994, there were 350 Easter eggs on the tree
The number slowly went up to 10,000…
They started with plastic eggs, but later switched to real eggs
he tree has become a tourist attraction, drawing thousands of people every year until the family decided to discontinue the tradition
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