The Legend of the Sand Dollar

There's a pretty little legend that many people tell

Of the birth & death of Jesus found in this lovely shell

If you examine closely, you'll see that you find here

Four nail holes & a fifth one made by a Roman's spear

On one side the Easter lily, in its center Bethlehem's star

That appeared unto the Shepherds & led them from afar

The Christmas Poinsettia etched on the other side

Reminds us of His birthday a symbol of Christmastide

Should you break the center open here you will release

Five small white doves awaiting to spread Good Will & Peace

 

The Sand Dollar

This Shell is one of the most unusual of all marine life.

A relative of the Sea Urchin this species, Mellita Testudinata or commonly called the Keyhole Sand Dollar, Lives just under the surface of the sand. Alive, its velvet appearance results from a dense covering of short, soft spines which are used to propel it thrugh the sand and aid in its continuous feeding of tiny organisms.

Known as the Holy Ghost Shell, it is characterized by five narrow openings representing the four nail holes and the wound in the crucified body of Christ. On the top side of the shell the outline of the Easter Lily is clearly seen On the bottom is an outline of the Poinsettia, the Christmas flower, close examination reveals the tiny five pointed star of Bethlehem at the center. When the shell is broken open five small replicas of doves will be found.