The Legend of the Dogwood Tree

[toadilypeachy]

There is a legend
that at the time of the Crucifixion
the dogwood had been the size of the oak
and other forest trees.

So firm and strong was the tree
that it was chosen as the timber of 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 gentle pity
for all sorrow and 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 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."

Author Unknown

[ronna1955]

Mar. 25, 2009 at 7:53 AM

I have Dogwood flower blossoms in the shape of a cross tattooed on my calf.

[Lb128f]

Mar. 25, 2009 at 11:40 AM

Thanks for sharing this....my Mom had Dogwoods in her yard and somewhere along the way of growing up we were told this...it's good. ;-)

[yovonna]

Sep. 22, 2009 at 3:29 PM

Thanks this is the truth and have you seen the one on the star fish is is good also............ http://www.starrbrite.com/starfish.html  the sand dollar is good also.........    http://mrmom.amaonline.com/poems/legend.htm  enjoy please .....