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 of 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 gentle 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�?BR>two long and 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"