The legend about the dogwood tree is quite widely known in the Cumberlands, as elsewhere in the State of Virginia.
Since the dogwood is our state flower and we have begun to have Dogwood Festivals around us, the legend is perhaps just now in the cradle of its infancy and is due much more popularity in the future. Anyone who has ever studied the dogwood flower can readily see the symbols in the flower that are mentioned in this legend.
Whether the legend be true or false, one is lead [led] to believe that is pretty near truth. The legend runs that during and before the time of Christ, the dogwood tree grew to the height and dimensions of the oak, maple, and other larger forest trees. The wood was so firm and strong that it was the chosen tree to make the cross of crucifixion of the Savior.
The trees were greatly distressed at having been chosen for such a cruel purpose,
and Jesus, sensing their regret for his great suffering, gave them this promise:
"Never again shall the dogwood grow large enough for a cross.
Henceforth it shall be slender, bent, and twisted; and its blooms
shall be in the form a cross, two long and two short petals, and in
the center of the outer edge of each petal there shall be nail
prints, brown with rust and stained by blood. And in the center
of the flower will be a crown of thorns, so that all those who see
it shall know that it was on a dogwood tree that I was crucified.
It shall not be mutilated or destroyed, but protected and cherished
as a reminder of my agony and death upon the cross".
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