Legend of the Dogwood
There is a legend that at the time of the Crucifixion the dogwood tree had been the size of the oak and other forest trees. So firm and strong was this tree that it was chosen as the timber for the cross. To be used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the tree, and Jesus, being nailed upon it, sensed this. In His gentle pity for all sorrow and suffering Jesus said to the tree: "Because of your regret and pity for My susffering, nver again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a cross. From now forward it shall be slender and bent and twisted and its blossems shall 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 it will remember." And so the dogwood is today.
Trembling for joy cries all creation;
What is this mystery, so great and new?
The Lord has risen from among the dead,
And Death itself He crushed with valiant foot.
Behold the cruel tyrant bound and chained,
And man made free by Him who rose.
~the second century priest Melito of Sardes (Asia Minor)
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