Alleluia, He Is Risen!

Glimpses of Melody, Nature Sketch  by Nancy E Wiist Alleluia, He Is Risen!

The dogwood is one of my favorite native spring flowering tree. I painted it's blossoms in ink and watercolor on "Alleluia, He Is Risen" written by Ida Scott Taylor

The Legend of the Dogwood Tree.

According to legend, the dogwood tree was once strong and provided the wood used for the cross on which Jesus was crucified.
Because of its role in the crucifixion, it is said that God cursed the tree to forever be small, so that it would never grow large enough again for its wood to be used as a cross for crucifixion. It’s branches would be narrow, week and crooked.
The tree felt such sorrow for its role in Christ death, that God blessed it to produce beautiful flowers each spring so that whoever looks upon the Dogwood tree would not forget Christ death and by looking to “the Christ on the tree” to be made new.
The four petals of the blossom of the dogwood form the shape of a “cross.”
The middle of the Dogwood flower has a tight grouping that if you use you imagination of resembling a "crown of thorns” shoved into Christ brow.
The petal tips of the flowers are indented, as if they were dented by a “nail” that pierced his hands and feet.
The drops of crimson colors on the petals tips bring to mind the “drops of blood” that shed for remission of our sins.
Legend of the Dogwood Tree: Author unknown,
© Nancy E. Wiist retains copyright to artwork.Commission Yours