The feather tree, also known as the Nuremberg tree, is constructed from goose feathers. In the late 1800s, Germany had concerns over diminishing forests, which led to the alternative of making trees for Christmas from feathers. Goose feathers were dyed and wrapped around wire. The wires were then inserted into drilled holes of a dowel. By the end of World War II, feather trees had lost their popularity and the use of live trees was on the rise.
Lots of folks were shopping at the Downtown Optimist Tree Lot today, even though it was 65 degrees. But I do understand because one of my favorite traditions is decorating the Christmas tree. We have always had a real tree, but I also own a 100-year-old goose feather tree. The origin of these valuable old trees is interesting.
The first artificial Christmas trees were made of goose feathers and produced as a cottage industry in Germany. The trees were imported and sold in the dime stores of America until 1940. These tabletop trees are again being produced much the same way as their counterparts at the turn of the century. A goose feather tree is an beautiful way to display your antique ornaments as well as the glass ornaments of today, such as our Old World Christmas ornaments.
Here is another genuine handwrapped Goose Feather Tree. This tree is approximately 35n" tall and has 47 branches --each tipped with a red berry just as they were made in the late 1800&'s. Each tree uses between 300 and 500 goose feathers in order to make all the branches. The trees are hand-made by my mother and myself right here in North Dakota. The rustic wooden base is 4 inches tall and is painted a hunter green. Let this tree become a family heirloom on which to display your own set of miniature
