Thursday, May 8, 2008

Legend of the Dogwood Tree

The Bible does not tell us what type of wood the cross Jesus was crucified on was made of. Roman history does not go into specifics as to how the crosses were made or what type of wood they were made of. As a result, we cannot know for sure what type of tree was used to make the cross. There is a legend that it was made of dogwood. This is unlikely considering the typical size of a dogwood tree. The legend of the dogwood tree, author unknown, is as follows:



Sweetman and I went for a walk tonight and the dogwood grow all along the road we live on, it stays very hidden all year except in the spring when its blossoms put on a beautiful show. We have several varieties of pink, white, & a very unusual greenish white. I love to see this tree come into bloom and it always brings to mind the legend about this lovely tree. I found this poem on the internet that explains why this tree is so loved.


In Jesus' time, the dogwood grew
To a stately size and a lovely hue.
'Twas strong & firm it's branches interwoven
For the cross of Christ its timbers were chosen.
Seeing the distress at this use of their wood
Christ made a promise which still holds good:
"Never again shall the dogwood grow
Large enough to be used so Slender & twisted, it shall be
With blossoms like the cross for all to see.
As blood stains the petals marked in brown
The blossom's center wears a thorny crown.
All who see it will remember me
Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree.
Cherished and protected this tree shall be
A reminder to all of my agony."
Again, this is just a "legend." It is a nice poem, but there is no Biblical basis to it.

9 comments:

Shelly said...

That is a neat poem. Kinda interesting too. Even though it is a legend the dogwood looks cool! If not, it is a way to think of Jesus. After all, God did create it. Enjoy your weekend this weekend Nan!

Cheri said...

I love the nature you are surrounded by. What a beautiful tree!

Anonymous said...

I remember when we worked together you taught me about the dogwood tree.I forgot thanks, for the reminder:)Have a Blessed Mothers Day:)
love ya.
Deb

Anonymous said...

RYC: Thank you for stopping by my blog. I'm sorry to hear about your mom. My mom passed away about 9 years ago so I understand what you mean when you say you "miss your mom". I hope you have a happy Mother's day too. I'm going to read some of your blogs. They look like fun!

Anonymous said...

Happy Mother's Day Nancy! I hope you have a relaxing AND refreshing day today.

Saija said...

oooohh, i love your pics! my eyes are starving for some flowers to come popping up here in my neck of the woods ... so far there is a bit of green here and there - but, nothing to cheer about ... not yet anyway ... soon? yes, soon!!!

blessings on you this mother's day!

Unknown said...

I always think of this legend when I see a dogwood and that makes them all the more beautiful!
Take Care~ Lisa

Mississippi Songbird said...

I love this post. Thanks so much. Very inspiring. Have a wonderful week..

Mimi said...

My favorite tree is a Dogwood and my next favorite is a Magnolia Tree...you don't happen to have any Magnolia trees on your road do you?...if you do I may have to move in with you...