Legend of the Donkey's Cross
Christian tradition holds that donkeys originally had unmarked hides, and that it was only after Christ's entry into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey that they recieved the dark cross on their backs. The hairs from the cross were widely believed to cure a number of ailments, and were often worn in a charm around the neck to guard against whooping-cough, toothache, fits, and to ease teething pains in babies.
The story most widely know is this:
"Bring me the colt of a donkey," was the Master's request.
A young donkey was brought to Jesus to carry him to Jerusalem.
A week later Jesus was ordered crucified.
The little donkey so loved the Lord, that he wanted to help carry the cross.
But alas, he was pushed away.
The sad little donkey waited to say good-bye until nearly all had left.
As he turned to leave, the shadow of the cross fell upon his shoulders.
And there it has remained, a tribute to the loyalty and love
of the humblest of God's Creatures.
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