In Capitulum 70 of *Jacob's Well* (c. 1500), the preacher tells us that the
cross used in the crucifixion was composed of four woods--cedar, cypress,
palm, and olive--which represent various things. In the 12c Old English
version of the *History of the Holy Rood-Tree*, we find the cross made of
cypress, cedar, and pine representing the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
respectively. Can anyone tell me who started this convention of associating
the cross with a variety of woods? Other examples?
Dr. Clinton Atchley
Department of English
Box 7652
Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, AR 71999
Phone: 870.230.5276
Email: [log in to unmask]
URL: http://www.hsu.edu/faculty/atchlec
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