The Legend of the Dogwood

My hubby and I are clearing 18 acres of land upon which we will build my store and our new home over the next year. The property has never been developed so it is beautifully wooded, offering almost every variety of tree you can imagine. In the mix of trees, we were thrilled to find lots of Dogwoods scattered throughout the property. That's always been one of my favorite trees and the blooms were a beautiful sight this spring.

While doing a little gardening research on the web, I came across a story that intrigued me. Mind you, this is just Christian lore, but the beautiful sentiment touched my heart as I hope it does yours.



The Legend of the Dogwood

At the time of Jesus Christ's Crucifixion the Dogwood was the size of the Oak and other forest trees. So firm and strong was the tree that it was chosen as the timber for the cross. To be used thus for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the tree, and Jesus, nailed upon it, sensed this, and in his suffering said to it, "Because of your regret and pity for My suffering, never again shall the Dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a cross." Henceforth it shall be slender and bent and twisted and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross...two long and two short petals. And in the center of the outer edge of each petal there will be nail prints, brown with rust and stained with red, and in the center of the flower will be a crown of thorns, and all who see it will remember.