According to legend, the dogwood tree (Cornus florida) at one time grew upright, tall and strong. Its wood had many uses - which was why it was apparently chosen to become the wood of the cross on which Jesus died. In response, God both cursed and blessed the dogwood. It would never again be tall and straight so that it could never again be used in a crucifixion. At the same time, for evermore, the tree would be a reminder of both Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Its beautiful snowy-white blossoms flower just in time for Easter have four petals in the shape of a cross. It also has indented petals, reminiscent of the holes made by the nails which occasionally may have spots of colour, reminding us of drops of Jesus' blood. The petals also have tightly-grouped stamens and pistils resembling the crown of thorns.
Easter lilies (Lilium longiflorum) grow so easily in various countries and are the main flower type used to adorn the altars on Easter and beyond. But did you know that a cluster of Easter lilies is sometimes described as "white-robed apostles of hope"? The lily is sometimes also called a "trumpet lily" because it is thought to proclaim the resurrection. The Easter lily is full of symbolism: trumpet shaped they are heralds of the resurrection, of rebirth and hope. Their colour, white symbolise the purity and sinlessness of Jesus. The bulbs which are buried underground for three years before they flower are reminiscent of Jesus' three days in the tomb. A trick I learned is to cut off the anther at the tip of the stamen, before the yellowish powder starts dropping and staining the lily. That triggers the death process of the plant, but if you’re quick enough to clip the anther in time, the plant would last an extra two to three weeks.
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