Christmas Ornament Legends

According to legend, at the time of Christ's crucifixion, the dogwood tree was a large, sturdy, strong tree. Because it was chosen to serve as the wood of the cross of crucifixion, the tree became greatly distressed. Sensing this, Christ determined that the dogwood tree would never again grow strong enough to serve as a cross. The dogwood actually blooms near Easter time, but its flower forms a cross with stained nail prints on the edge of each petal, and a "crown of thorns" in the center of each flower. Dogwood trees blossom in both white and pink colors.

According to the story, the donkey that carried Jesus in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, followed him to Calvary, where Jesus died on the cross. Because the donkey could not bear to watch the scene, he turned away, but could not leave. The shadow of the cross fell upon the shoulders and back of the donkey, and many donkeys carry this mark today.

The legend of the rooster begins with the birth of Jesus Christ, and it was the only time a rooster crowed at midnight. In Spanish and Latin America countries, "Misa del Gallo," the Mass of the Rooster is celebrated at midnight on Christmas Eve. Further, the crowing of a rooster at dawn symbolizes the daily triumph of light over darkness, of good over evil.

According to Chinese legend, long ago Pandas were pure white. The story goes that a young girl gave her life to save a white Panda, and the Pandas were very sad. In their sorrow, they rubbed black ashes on their legs as a sign of mourning, then hugged each other, wiped tears from their eyes, and covered their ears with their paws. Wherever they touched themselves, the ashes stained their fur black, and so it has been ever since.

The Cardinal is sometimes called the Christmas Bird because of its brilliant scarlet plumage that shows so well during the bleak winter season. Christians believe the gorgeous red color is to remind us of the blood of Christ shed for the redemption of mankind, while others feel the appearance of a Cardinal brings hope, cheer, warmth and beauty during the holiday season.

It is said that a frog ornament on your Christmas tree will bring good luck. If you don't want one on your tree, how about one on a poster!