THERE is a legend, that at the time of the Crucifixion the dogwood had been the size of the oak and other forest trees. So firm and strong was the tree that it was chosen as the timber for the cross.
TO be used thus for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the tree, and Jesus, nailed upon it, sensed this, and in His gently pity for all sorrow and suffering said to it.
"Because of your regret and pity for My suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a cross. Henceforth it shall be slender and bent and twisted and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross ... two long and two short petals. And 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 it will remember."
--Author Unknown
Dogwood Flowers 1973
artist Vernita Bridges Hoyt
oil on canvas
approx. 16x20 inches
Painted for my mother many years ago, the Dogwood Flowers painting is at home in her living room right where she originally hung it. I haven't had the heart to move it but documented the painting with a photo when I was last visiting Dad. This is the first public showing of Dogwood Flowers 1973.
The Dogwood Legend graces a china plate given me by my mother thirty-five years ago.
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