Gathering Sukkot Decorations from Nature
Sukkot, the Festival of Tabernacles, is a time of joy, gathering, and connection with the God of Israel to remember what He did for our people. As we build our sukkah, we’re reminded of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and God’s provision. Decorating the sukkah is not just a creative activity to remember, but also a meaningful way to reflect the beauty and abundance of God’s creation.
One of the best ways to make your Sukkah experience special is by incorporating natural elements from your area. Think about the Israelites wandering in the desert; although they probably carried supplies with them wherever they went, it was more likely that they utilized new materials from the place in which they resettled. Each time, “home” looked a little different based on the natural materials available at that location.
My husband and I have had 10 sukkots together and every year, based on where we were living, our Sukkah has looked a little different. When we lived in the Appalachian mountains of Georgia on our own land, we harvested plants and berries from the woods around us and our Sukkah was made out of cut-down trees from our property. Now that we live in the city, our Sukkah is going to look different simply because there are less natural materials available to us (other than the invasive Texas snail seed plant). So we’ll have to get creative.
Whether you live in an urban neighborhood or a forested area, you can find ways to bring nature into your celebration. But before you venture out to gather your natural treasures, remember to be mindful of the environment. Don’t take more than you need, and be sure you have permission to forage from the land you’re on. Leave some for the animals and other people who share the space with you.
Here are some inspiring ideas to decorate your sukkah using natural resources, no matter where you live!
Foraging in Urban Neighborhoods: Bringing Nature to the City
Even if you live in a bustling city, you can still bring the beauty of the outdoors into your sukkah. Many urban areas have parks, community gardens, and green spaces where you can gather natural materials (as long as foraging is allowed). Here are a few ideas for finding and using nature in an urban setting:
One year we built our Sukkah under a grouping of tall pines. All of the pine needles that fell on the ground made a perfect floor for a rustic sukkah.
1. Pinecones, Acorns, and Fallen Branches
Pinecones and acorns are often found scattered on the ground in city parks and make great decorations for a sukkah. You can gather a handful of these small treasures and use them to create garlands, centerpieces, or even wind chimes.
How to use:
String pinecones and acorns together to create a natural garland.
Place a collection of pinecones in a basket for a rustic sukkah centerpiece.
Use fallen branches to hang decorations or create a natural frame for the sukkah.
When we lived in the Northeast, the trees were vibrant autumn colors for Sukkot. Now that we live in the South, sometimes we rely more on seasonal flowers for color.
2. Colorful Leaves and Flowers
Fall is a beautiful time to find colorful leaves and late-blooming flowers. Take a walk through your neighborhood or local park to find vibrant yellow, red, and orange leaves. Flowers like asters and goldenrod may still be in bloom, offering bursts of color for your sukkah.
How to use:
Press leaves between wax paper to create long-lasting decorations.
Arrange leaves and flowers in a bouquet or wreath to hang inside your sukkah.
Hang leaves from twine across the sukkah walls for a simple, elegant touch.
One year we had a ton of cinnamon on hand. We crushed it and spread it on the floor of the sukkah. It smelled SO delicious for days!
3. City-Friendly Foraging: Herbs and Small Plants
Many cities have community gardens or window boxes where herbs and small plants grow abundantly. Consider using fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or thyme to decorate your sukkah.
How to use:
Tie small bundles of herbs together with twine to hang along the sukkah walls or ceiling.
Place fresh herbs in jars for a fragrant and natural table decoration.
Create small wreaths with herbs and hang them around the sukkah.
Foraging in Forests or Rural Areas: Embracing Abundance
If you’re lucky enough to live near a forest or rural area, the opportunities for natural sukkah decorations are nearly endless. From berries and branches to wildflowers and vines, there are so many ways to celebrate the season’s abundance in your sukkah. While you are foraging, keep Bal Taschit “Do not destroy” in mind.
One year we utilized 3 living trees to use as the frame for the sukkah. This meant we only had to cut down one tree for the 4th post. Then we harvested local bamboo to make the roof.
1. Cutting Down Small Trees for Building the Sukkah
If you live near a forest and have access to small, manageable trees (with permission to cut), consider using them to build your sukkah’s frame. Pine or cedar branches can add a fragrant, woodsy element to your temporary dwelling.
How to use:
Use cut branches to form the structure or roof of the sukkah.
Create a natural “doorway” by hanging pine or cedar boughs at the entrance.
Use leftover branches to create a canopy or weave them into your sukkah walls.
One year I'd love to grow as much snail seed as possible around a frame so we could have a Sukkah completely grown out of vines!
2. Harvesting from Plants: American Beautyberry and Snail Seed
Certain plants, like American Beautyberry or Snail Seed, produce beautiful berries that can be used in sukkah decorations. Beautyberries are known for their striking purple color and can be woven into wreaths or garlands. Snail seed is considered an invasive pest in Texas, but we LOVE them! As soon as we realized they were growing in our backyard one year, we let them grow as much as they wanted to so we could harvest the vines and decorate our sukkah with them. Look around your home, what’s growing that you can harvest?
How to use:
Collect beautyberries and string them into garlands to hang inside the sukkah.
Use snail seed vines to create a natural and whimsical frame or border for the sukkah.
Place small bowls of berries as natural, colorful table centerpieces.
3. Natural Paint from Forest Berries
One of the most creative ways to involve kids in Sukkot decorations is by using forest berries to create natural paint. Forage for safe, non-toxic berries like elderberries or beautyberries, and have your children help squeeze the juice out. Mix it with water to create a natural, earthy paint for sukkah art.
How to use:
Use the natural berry paint to create hand-painted decorations or pictures to hang inside the sukkah.
Let children paint leaves or rocks with the berry paint for fun, nature-inspired art.
Have the kids paint their own sukkah signs to welcome guests or display favorite Bible verses.
4. Pine Branches and Ferns
The entire ceiling of this sukkah was made out of bamboo and branches harvested from our property.
In forested areas, pine branches, ferns, and bamboo are plentiful and can be gathered for large, lush decorations. Their rich green colors bring a sense of life and vitality to the sukkah.
How to use:
Weave ferns and pine branches into a natural roof covering for your sukkah.
Create a garland of ferns to hang around the perimeter of the sukkah.
Add extra bamboo branches to the roof to create a “green ceiling” that filters sunlight and adds beauty.
One year we decorated our Sukkah with nothing but wildflowers. It was my favorite Sukkah we've ever made!
5. Wildflowers and Grasses
In rural or forested areas, you may find wildflowers and tall grasses growing naturally. Use these to add pops of color and texture to your sukkah.
How to use:
Create wildflower bouquets and place them on your sukkah table.
Hang bunches of tall grasses along the walls or across the roof beams.
Weave wildflowers into small hanging wreaths or decorate with mini bouquets.
A Note on Responsible Foraging:
As you venture out to collect natural materials for your sukkah decorations, remember to be responsible. Always check local regulations to ensure you are allowed to forage in parks or forests. When you gather from nature, take only what you need and leave plenty for the animals and other people who share the space. Avoid picking plants or materials that could disrupt the ecosystem, and be mindful of how much you collect. Always keep Bal Taschit in mind.
Bringing Creation into Your Sukkot Celebration
Decorating your sukkah with natural elements is a meaningful way to connect with God’s creation and celebrate the abundance He provides. Whether you live in a bustling urban neighborhood or a peaceful forest, there are endless ways to incorporate the beauty of nature into your Sukkot décor. From simple pinecone garlands to vibrant berry paint, each decoration reflects the joy and gratitude of this special festival. Praise Yeshua!
This Sukkot, may your sukkah be filled with the sights, smells, and sounds of the natural world, reminding you of the Creator who sustains us and provides for all our needs - even in the wilderness.
Happy foraging, and Chag Sameach!
