Item # 10724018

The Legend of the Dogwood Tree

At the time of the Crucifixion, the dogwood tree grew tall like other forest trees.  It's wood was strong and firm, and so it was chosen to create the cross.

To be used for such cruelty grieved the dogwood tree.  Jesus sensed this and said:

"Because of your sorrow for My suffering, I promise this: Never again shall the dogwood grow large enough to be used as a cross.  It shall be slender and twisted.  It's blossoms shall resemble a cross with two long and two short petals.  On the edge of each petal there shall be nail prints, as if browned with rust and stained with blood, and a crown of thorns will grow at the center of each flower.  All who see it will remember that it was upon this tree that I was crucified, and the dogwood shall be cherished as a reminder of My agony and death upon the cross."