An old and beautiful legend has it that, at the time of the crucifixion, the dogwood was comparable in size to the oak tree and other monarchs of the forest. Because of its firmness and strength it was selected as the timber for the cross, but to be put to such a cruel use greatly distressed the tree. Sensing this, the crucified Jesus in his gentle pity for the sorrow and suffering of all said to it:
"Because of your sorrow and pity for My sufferings, never again will the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a cross.
Henceforth it will be slender, bent and twisted and its blossoms will be in the form of a cross ~ two long and two short petals. 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 this will remember."
~ Author Unknown
Comments
Easter blessing to you, dear Kathryn. Perhaps 'kindred souls', you have been a new found gift.
My home state Alabama has a lot of dogwoods but Tennessee has been dubbed the "dogwood State. "
A blessed Easter to you .
Greetings Carolyn ... I have always had a passion for dogwoods and that story. Besides 'my hardy friend', I have several Kousa dogwoods. Hope you weren't lambasted by last night's snowfall! A blessed Easther to you also.
Not at all, Dave, I'm honored ... thanks for visiting. Happy Easter!