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.