Legend of the Dogwood

For as long as I have lived in Palestine (which has been the majority of my life), I've always looked forward to spring and the blooming of the beautiful dogwoods Palestine is famous for.

Right now all over town in the city and in the country, beautiful patterns of white are scattered across the countryside.

Of course, Friday will officially start the three-day weekend Dogwood Trails celebration off of Link Street in Palestine. Be on the lookout for the Horizons magazine later this week which has a lot of the Dogwood Trails coverage in it (and lots of color photos), as well as our daily edition for news as the festival approaches.

Plus, you can always tour the Davey Dogwood Park during park hours. It's perfect for family picnics and Sunday drives. This park is a must-see while the dogwoods are blooming.

I've always been fascinated by the Legend of the Dogwood and wanted to share it with you now:

LEGEND OF THE DOGWOOD
(author unknown)

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 for 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 two 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 remember...that it was upon a dogwood tree I was crucified and this tree shall not be mutilated or destroyed, but cherished as a reminder of My death upon the cross."

Post by Community Editor Cheril Vernon