The Legend of the Dogwood Tree

According to legend, the wood of the dogwood tree was used to build the cross that Christ Jesus was crucified on. After he died on the cross, the dogwood trees in the grove changed over night. The wood that was once strong and straight curled and became misshapen. It was said that the tree felt the shame of being used to crucify the Son of Man.

The following poem describes the plight of the dogwood.

In Jesus' time, the dogwood grew 
To a stately size and a lovely hue. 
'Twas strong and firm, its 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 and 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."