Dogwood

The dogwood flower, with it’s four delicate petals and crimson stained tips, is imbued with it’s own myth and symbolism in Christianity but for me holds a dichotomy of symbols. It is a reminder of home and time spent at my grandparent’s house in Virginia. It sparks the memory of playing in my grandmother’s garden, a paradise of lush plants, with pear trees, magnolias, mimosas, and azaleas, but my favorite tree was the dogwood. In contrast, it also serves as a symbol of my conservative religious upbringing, where as a young girl I was taught to be subservient. But as I’ve grown older this symbol has evolved to represent empowerment, speaking up for myself, and using my voice to lift others.