The tree blossoms have pretty much come and gone in these parts, so it’s nice that #ThursdayTreeLove gives us an opportunity to revisit the blossoms of early spring. Since we celebrated the Resurrection of Christ (Easter) a few days ago, I’m sharing my bunch of dogwood photos along with the “Legend of the Dogwood.”
There is a legend that at the time of the crucifixion, the dogwood had reached the size of the mighty oak tree and other forest trees.
So strong and firm was the wood that it was chosen as the timber for Jesus’ cross.
To be used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the dogwood.
While nailed upon it, Jesus sensed this, and in his compassion said: “Because of your regret and pity for my suffering, never again shall the the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used for a cross.
Henceforth, it shall be slender, bent, and twisted, and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross–two long and two short petals.
In the center of the outer edge of each petal will be the print of nails.
In the center of the flower, stained with blood, will be a crown of thorns so that all who see it will remember.”
Even though this is a cute story, keep in mind that there is no truth to this legend. Dogwoods do not grow naturally in Israel and would not have been used for the execution stake.
I shot the dogwood photos with my iPhone one cloudy day and with my “real” camera another [brighter] day. The first three shots in the posts are iPhone photos; the others are Canon photos. Although I’m impressed with the flexibility of the upgraded iPhone camera, it’s still no match for my Canon. 🙂
Be sure to tune in to the next #ThursdayTreeLove. I have more tree blossoms to share!
I am joining Parul Thakur for #ThursdayTreeLove every second and fourth Thursday of the month. If you would like to play along, post a picture of a tree on your blog and link it back to her latest #treelove post.
Pics and Posts 
Lovely!!
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Thank you!
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fantastic post. Awesome photos. I grew up with them in Connecticut and miss them. I wore a silver bracelet for years with a dogwood blossom on it that my Grand mother gave me. I loved it. Need to look for it
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Thanks, Christine. Awww…I wish I could package one and send it to you. I hope you find the bracelet!
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Wow! This is an amazing legend that perfectly matches the morphology of the Dogwood flower! Superb photos both from your iPhone and Cannon! 🙂
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Thank you!!! I do love that legend.
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Beautiful photos! So clear and crisp. I appreciate reading the legend in detail as well as the realism. Even though the dogwood story is not true, nature does have a way of reminding us of spiritual truths.
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Thanks for the compliment, JoAnna. And I agree, nature reveals so much about God and His character. I’m looking forward to some uninterrupted time just drinking it all in.
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I love the pictures and the legend was interesting to read. Nature is so beautiful and I am so glad through the many trees around the world, I am getting to see so much more. Thank you for sharing and joining!
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Thank you, Parul! I thoroughly enjoy #TTL and eagerly look forward to sharing each time.
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That story is an amazing one Chandra – made me look so closely at every pic to see the references. And this is such a gorgeous tree – love it!!
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Thank you for reading and studying the pics! And I agree–the dogwood in full bloom is gorgeous.
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