A Dogwood tree symbolizes the crucifixion of Christ in many ways. The spring blooms This poem breathes life into that symbolism. See more pictures in the post, Spring: You See How to Create a Lavishly Visual Rebirth in Your Yard.
The Dogwood Tree
by Anonymous
When Christ was on earth, the dogwood grew
To a towering size with a lovely hue.
Its branches were strong and interwoven
And for Christ’s cross, its timbers were chosen
Being distressed at the use of the wood
Christ made a promise which still holds good:
“Not ever again shall the dogwood grow
To be large enough for a tree, and so
Slender and twisted it shall always be
With cross-shaped blossoms for all to see.
The petals shall have bloodstains marked brown
And in the blossom’s center a thorny crown.
All who see it will think of Me,
Nailed to a cross from a dogwood tree.
Protected and cherished this tree shall be
A reflection of all of My agony.
Find more information about Dogwood trees on mysticurious.com.
The Dogwood Flower: Its Meanings & Symbolism contains more information about dogwoods:
Dogwood Flower Color Meanings
– Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Most Dogwood flowers are pure white with rusty red spots around the edges of all four petals. The white color is considered a symbol of purity in Western culture, although it is the color of death in many Eastern cultures instead. Christian sources claim the rusty spots on the petals are the marks of the Crucifixion because they resemble blood. Pink and dark red Dogwood varieties are also available that carry more love and passion symbolism, especially in the Victorian tradition of signaling love with the gift of a bloom from this tree.
I have also heard that the center of a dogwood bloom symbolizes the thorny cross of Jesus.
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