However, with the promulgation of the motu proprio Mysterii Paschalis of Pope Paul VI, Dorothea was removed from the General Roman Calendar, being judged as not having "universal significance".

On her way to the place of execution the pagan lawyer Theophilus said to her in mockery: "Bride of Christ, send me some fruits from your bridegroom's garden."

This is the oldest version of the legend, which was later variously enlarged[6] (The boy with the basket can be seen in the depictions by Josse van der Baren and Hans Baldung Grien in the gallery below).

[8] Dorothy of Caesarea's life and martyrdom was the basis of Philip Massinger and Thomas Dekker's The Virgin Martyr (printed 1622).

Saint Dorothy is often depicted as a virgin carrying a basket of flowers, sometimes with fruit, and also wearing a crown of roses; she has also been depicted as being: surrounded by stars as she kneels before the executioner; crowned with palm, referring to the martyr's palm; in an enclosed garden or an orchard with the Christ Child in an apple tree; leading the Christ Child by the hand; veiled with flowers in her lap; and holding apples from heaven on a branch.