Legend of the Dogwood
At the time of the crucifiction, 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 for such a purpose caused the
tree great misery and distress. Jesus observed
this, and in his gentle pity for all sorrow and
suffering made the tree this promise.
“Never again shall the dogwood grow large
enough to be used as a cross. Henceforth it
shall be slender, bent and twisted. It’s blossoms
shall be in the form of a cross with the prints
of the nails in each petal. In the center of the flower will be the crown of thorns, and all who see it will remember that it was upon a dogwood
tree I was crucified. Therefore this tree
shall not be destroyed or mutilated, but cherished
as a reminder of my death upon the cross.”