The Sand Dollar Sea Treasure Legend

The Sand Dollar Sea Treasure Legend, originally uploaded by CynDB.

I grew up on an island. I love the sea, and I love looking for sand dollars! When I read the story about the symbolism, years ago, I've never forgotten it and think of it every time I see one of these beautiful sea creatures. I created this image from a perfect sand dollar that I found several years ago at the Turks and Caicos islands.

The legend of the sand dollar is that Christ left the sand dollar as a symbol to help evangelists teach the faith. The five holes represent the five wounds Christ received while on the cross: four nail holes and the hole made by the Roman's spear. In the center of one side of the sand dollar, there is the Easter lily and in the middle of the lily is the star of Bethlehem. The Christmas poinsettia is on the other side which is a reminder of Christ's birth. If you break the sand dollar open, there are five white pieces of shell which look like doves. These are said to bring good will and peace.

"There's a pretty little legend
That I would like to tell
Of the birth and death of Jesus
Found in this lowly shell.

If you examine closely,
You'll see that you find here
Four nail holes and a fifth one
Made by a Roman's spear.

On one side the Easter lily,
Its center is the star
That appeared unto the shepherds
And led them from afar.

The Christmas poinsettia,
Etched on the other side
Reminds us of His birthday,
Our happy Christmastide.

Now break the center open,
And here you will release
The five white doves awaiting
To spread Good will and peace.

This simple little symbol,
Christ left for you and me
To help us spread His Gospel
Through all eternity."

~~Anon.