The Redbud Tree

     This time of year, everyone is on the internet talking about making redbud jelly.  Every year I tell myself that I am going to add it to my jellies and I look out my kitchen window and see the beautiful tree my dad gave me years ago.  I then tell myself, "Oh I will just enjoy the blooms myself." That would be it, on with my day, but this year was different.  I was reading all about the jelly makings on the net and then decided to do a little research myself of what all it took, so of course when you google redbud, low and behold, there are several different kinds.  Throughout my research I discovered that I have what is called the Eastern Redbud or Judas Tree.  
     Judas Tree, that really got my curiosity up.  Why do they call it the Judas Tree?  More research led to more knowledge, which led me to discover that the name emanates from the biblical story of Judas Iscariot, it is believed that he hung himself from a tree of this species after he betrayed Jesus. Though we have no real substantiation for this tale.  It is also said that the tree felt so ashamed of playing a role in the betrayal that it forever blushes of pink flowers in the spring of each year instead of the white flowers it originally had.  Also, it is told that the tree use to be tall and stately, strong wood, but when Judas used it to hang himself, the tree became brittle and no longer grew tall and stately but humbled.       
     The Redbud or Judas Tree is a symbol of Betrayal, Unbelief, Beauty, Strength and Forgiveness. It's story, though is called a myth is a beautiful story but so sad.  It amazes me at the stories we come about that relate plants and trees to the Bible.  This one I will never forget and hope that if you have not heard the myth, then look it up and enjoy in depth all the tree has to offer.
     Oh, and I never did get around to making that jelly, maybe next year.  

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