Did You Know?

Trees of Cornus genus acquired their name Dog-tree in 1548, which was later translated to Dogwood tree and Hound's tree by 1614. These trees were once known as Whipple trees.

◆ A legend talks about this tree growing near Jerusalem. Supposedly, the trees were dogwood trees, though slightly different in appearance. Those dogwood trees were larger, taller, and mightier than the dogwood trees we see today. The wood from those trees was used to make crosses to punish criminals. As the legend goes, a thick, strong, and fine dogwood trunk was used to create the cross for Jesus Christ's crucifixion. The legend goes further to say that the tree felt distressed because of the way its trunk was used. Christ, sensing the tree's suffering and embarrassment, changed its strong form so that no one could use it for making crosses in the future. The legend is beautifully described in a poem by an unknown writer: In some versions of the legend, it is said that God cursed the dogwood trees after the crucifixion of Christ. However, all the versions of this legend claim that the form of dogwood trees has changed ever since. Dogwood trees became shorter. The tree trunks became twisted and slender. Every flower of a dogwood tree, now has only four petals, which symbolize four points of a cross. On each petal corner, there are nail-like markings. The stamen in the center of the flower symbolizes the Jesus' Crown of Thorns. The whole tree has become a symbol of crucifixion of Jesus Christ. ◆ In a myth concerning dogwood trees, Cherokee Indians, people of a native American tribe believed that there are little people residing in these trees. The legend has it that these little people protect babies and old people. ◆ According to another legend, dogwood trees were Adam's favorites in the Garden of Eden. The devil is said to have climbed the tree and damaged its blossom. However, when the flower turned into an image of a cross, he could only bite the edges of the flowers. Therefore the flowers grew spikes in their center to keep the devil away from Eden.

◆ Life, Rebirth, and Rejuvenation Dogwood trees symbolize life. The dogwood blossom that springs every Spring indicates the end of winter (death) and the beginning of a new life. ◆ Joy and Beauty Dogwood trees also represent joy and beauty that a new life or rebirth brings. ◆ Purity and Innocence The color white represents purity and innocence. Likewise, the white blossom of dogwood trees represents the purity of Christ. ◆ Love and Affection In the Victorian era, a male suitor would offer flowers from dogwood trees to an unmarried woman to proclaim his affection for her. ◆ Fulfilling a Promise The twisted and small branches of dogwood trees symbolize the promise that Jesus Christ gave the tree to avoid its use in making crosses. The trees represent the gesture of keeping promises. ◆ Durability This symbolic meaning of dogwood trees comes from the lasting quality of the dogwood tree wood. ◆ Crucifixion The four petals with rusty-looking edges symbolize the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. ◆ The Crown of Thorns The spiked stamen that can be found at the center of the dogwood flowers symbolizes the Crown of Thorns worn by Christ at the time of crucifixion. ◆ Pity and Empathy This symbolic meaning of the trees might have originated from the Christian legend. ◆ Shame Pink dogwood flowers are considered to be blushing with shame for the cruel use of the tree's trunk in making the cross to crucify Christ. ◆ Blood In the fall season, dogwood trees cover themselves in blood-like red leaves. Those red leaves represent Jesus Christ's blood spilled at Cavalry. The red color of the fruit is also considered as a remembrance of the innocent blood spilled.