Sunday, March 29, 2009

The Dogwood Tree

Hard to believe just a few short weeks ago a freak storm system blanketed our backyard in white fluffy snow:



Now, the tree branches are covered in white again.



Only this time, the white is of the springtime variety:





There's nothing quite as beautiful as when the dogwoods bloom in Georgia. They bloom around Easter each year, which always makes me think of the following story. It's a great visual reminder of all we celebrate this time of year.

The Legend Of The Dogwood Tree
As a child I heard this tale.
Long ago during the days that Jesus
was here on earth in the form of man
there were many dogwood trees.

The dogwood was comparable in
size to the oak tree and other
monarchs of the forest. Because of its
firmness and strength it was
selected as the timber for the cross,
but to be put to such a cruel use
greatly distressed the tree.

Sensing this, the crucified Jesus in his gentle
pity for the sorrow and suffering of all said to it:
"Because of your sorrow and pity for My sufferings,
never again will the dogwood tree grow large enough
to be used as a cross. Henceforth it will be slender,
bent and twisted and its blossoms will 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 this will remember."


~ Author Unknown

7 comments:

mer@lifeat7000feet said...

What a beautiful taste of spring! I needed that this morning because it's SNOWING again here. Ick.

I've heard that dogwood legend before and am so glad you wrote it down for me!

Happy Monday.

Unknown said...

I think I might have one of these starting to sprout in our front yard! Can't wait to read the story to the kids when it finally blooms!

mah-meeee said...

just beautiful! i'm so glad that spring is here!

Jackie said...

Michelle - that is SO lovely! Is that your yard? I am coveting so many beautiful trees.

The snowy picture is gorgeous, too, but I'm glad spring is here!

Christina Lee said...

Pretty! We have a dogwood tree in our yard too- and still no buds yet!!!

Jane said...

I got goosebumps reading that - the pics are so lovely.

Anonymous said...

Oh how this reminds me of my late grandmother, who always loved the Dogwood tree. Wonderful story, too.