Dogwood Branch

 

magnolia branch and dogwood branch page from my sketchbook

I love spring, don't you!  Early in February, the pink saucer magnolias bloom here in Central Alabama, followed by Bradford pears.  Dogwoods emerge around Easter.  How do they know?  When dogwoods bloom, summer is just around the corner.  I love dogwoods, and there is a sweet legend associated with them.

Supposedly, the mighty dogwood was revered during Christ's time.  Its wood was stronger than the mighty oak, and it was used to make the cross to crucify Jesus.  God transformed the tree from large to a smaller tree with twisted trunks and limbs.  With its lack of strength, the dogwood would never be used to crucify anyone ever again.  

Jesus was taken down from the cross and placed in a tomb, and three days later, he rose from the dead. Suddenly, dogwoods burst into bloom, and they continue to do so right around Easter in what is believed to be a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.  Each year, like clockwork, they bloom around Easter.

Dogwood blossoms are special because they are cross-shaped. The four large petals represent the cross he died upon, and each petal displays four red-tinged notches that are said to represent four nail holes and the blood he shed. The flower's center looks like a crown and is symbolic of Jesus’ crown of thorns.

The legend actually originated during the 20th Century in America, and the dogwood is not native to the Middle East.  But still blooming dogwoods are still sweet reminders of Christ's sacrifice and love for us.

Do you have a favorite spring flower or flowering tree?  Please share in the comments section below and maybe I'll try to draw it!

Until next time...

Blessings!
Ricki Jill