Jesus’ wooden cross was made from what type of tree? April 5, 2006
Question Jesus’ wooden cross was made from what type of tree?
Answer There are several types of historical events and objects. Four basic types are factual, legendary, mythical and fictional. Fictional means it did not really exist and everybody admits it (ex. Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, Babe). Mythical events/objects may also have been made up to explain things, but were often reinterpreted as true (Tooth Fairy exchanging money for teeth). Legendary often refers to events or objects that may have been based in truth, but were exaggerated over time (Davy Crockett killing a bear when he was 3 years old). Of course, factual means it is a truth that can be proven by evidence.
It is common knowledge that the Romans did not invent crucifixion by means of a cross, but they may have perfected it. Hundreds of thousands of people were crucified within the Roman Empire. Even the Romans admit that they crucified Jesus (in historical records). However, they did not record the type of tree that was commonly used to crucify people. It is thought that several types of trees were used.
Many legends tell of dogwood, holly, aspen and even clematis. The most common legend in North America seems to be dogwood. However, it is quickly ruled out, because it was not even grown in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus.
The two most likely candidates are olive and a species of pine. Considering the value of olive oil during that time, it is unlikely olive wood was used to construct a lowly cross. If Constantine's mother, Queen Helena, had pieces of the true cross in the 4th century, then it was made of Aleppo pine. There is also a chance that it could have been made of cypress, deodar cedar, oak or carob.
Lastly, it could have been made of different types of wood. The cross was probably not raised in one piece as most of us visualize it today. Instead, the vertical member (called the stipes) was already up. The horizontal piece (called the patibulum), which had the crucified person attached, was raised up and affixed to the vertical section. A third piece of wood was nailed over the crucified person that usually had their crime inscribed. In the case of Jesus, this sign (called the titulus) read “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”. It is possible that a section of this sign still exists. If this is true, then the sign was made from a walnut tree.
Though the legends and myths make great stories, they are often not true. The crucifixion of Jesus in April AD 30 is a fact, but some of the details have been lost. In light of the impact this event has had on our world, the wood of the cross really doesn't matter.
It is ironic that there is a monastery in Jerusalem called the Monastery of the Cross. Legend has it the tree that furnished the wood for the cross of Jesus once grew on the spot where this monastery now stands. Yet, we do not know what type of tree it was. If you have any questions about dogwoods, then call the Cooperative Extension Office at 893-7533, write us at PO Box 1089, Lillington, NC 27546, or email me at gary_pierce@ncsu.edu
By the way, Davy Crockett probably did not kill a bear at the age of 3, but he did work in his father’s tavern when he was only 8 years old. Happy Easter.
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