Dogwoods in Bloom

Spring has sprung, and the dogwoods are in bloom on Belly Acres. 

I’ve always loved dogwoods in the spring, but the symbolism isn’t always at the forefront of my memory.  Since I had to google it to remember all the pieces, I thought I’d share and save y’all a search. 

For those who don’t know the Christian symbolism and story of the dogwood, here’s the gist.

• A dogwood tree was used to construct the cross on which Christ was crucified.
• The dogwood represents life.
• The blooms on a dogwood grow in the shape of a cross.
• The holes in the tips of the petals represent the nails that were driven into the cross.
• The holes have a red tint around them representing the blood of Christ.
• The green bloom in the center symbolizes the crown of thorns placed on Christ’s head.

Honestly, I'm not sure which I enjoy more...the spring blossoms or the stories behind each living thing.  Either way, the inspiration puts a spring in my step every year.