What Is a Feather Tree?

Feather trees were the first artificial Christmas trees, created more than 100 years ago. Originally, they were made to resemble the white pines in German forests. Feather trees emulating the style these vintage trees are available for purchase, but they can also be hand-crafted. Feather trees are holiday decorations, particularly for Christmas, though they can be used to decorate for other holidays as well.

History

Feather trees were created in Germany as early as 1845 in response to Christmas tree harvests that were leading to deforestation. German immigrants brought tabletop feather trees with them to America, continuing the tradition of a Christmas tree in a time when many immigrants lived in cities and may not have had space for a full-size live tree.

By the mid-1930s, feather trees began to fall out of favor in the United States as the live Christmas tree industry took off. After World War II, feather trees were replaced by artificial trees made of synthetic substances such as aluminum.

Genuine feather trees can still be found, although they may have deteriorated because of poor storage and owners not realizing their value. Many vintage trees can be restored, provided the feathers have not become brittle.

Types

Feather trees were originally made with goose feathers, and these are still the feather of choice for trees made today. Feathers are wrapped around stiff wire and attached to a trunk, which is inserted into a base. Feather trees are available in a variety of sizes, from tabletop up to six feet tall. The feather trees can be created in any number of colors, although the most popular are dark green and ivory, according to the Feather Tree Christmas Trees site.

Features

In order to make feather trees resemble the white pines of the German forests, there are wide spaces between branches. The branch spacing is wider than today's Christmas trees, but it makes the feather trees great for hanging ornaments.

Significance

In 2007, the Pope issued a statement about the meaning of Christmas trees, saying that the evergreen is an important symbol of the birth of Christ "because its evergreen boughs recall everlasting life," and together with the Nativity scene, the decorated tree creates "an atmosphere replete with religious feeling and domestic intimacy."

Storage and Cleaning

Feather trees need to be stored in climate-controlled areas. Heat and dampness are enemies of feather trees and can cause brittleness and mildew, respectively. If stored properly, however, a feather tree can last more than 100 years. Feather trees can be cleaned by vacuuming if cheesecloth covers the nozzle of the hose to make the suction gentler.

Warning

Although real Christmas trees can hold candles if under constant supervision, never use lighted candles on feather trees--or any artificial trees.

Resources

• Buy feather trees and kits to make your own feather trees at Home Traditions.
• Learn how Martha Stewart makes a feather tree.
• The Golden Glow of Christmas Past is for collectors of antique Christmas items.