30 Shots for April - Day 24: The Sand Dollar Shell
@annied is hosting a challenge for April to take 30 shots of the same subject - since I've been struggling for inspiration all year, I've chosen to join in just for the fun of it. I have decided that my subject will be the glass cabinet in our kitchen - here's the twenty-fourth glimpse of what you might find within...
The Sand Dollar or Holy Ghost Shell is one of the most unusual specimens of marine life: the shell, or skeleton really, is about 8.5 cm in diameter and 7mm thick. The legend is that the markings on the shell symbolize the birth, crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
On the top side of the shell (at the left) an outline of the Easter Lily is easily seen. At the centre of the lily is a five pointed star that represents the Star of Bethlehem. The five narrow openings represent the four nail holes and the spear wound made in the body of Christ during the Crucifixion.
On the reverse side of the shell you will easily recognise the outline of the Christmas Poinsettia and also the bell at the bottom. When broken, inside the shell are five little fragments that resemble birds in flight. In the legend they are called the Doves of Peace... some even say that they are the Angels that sang to the shepherds the first Christmas morning.
I've just had the nicest time cruising around youtube looking at live sand dollars, dead ones being broken open and the amazing little doves inside. mother nature really is so amazing how she can come up with pretty much everything and more than we could possibly think up :)
I noticed these in your cabinet shot and thought, wow I wonder what they will turn out to be - ahhhhh I'm very satisfied :)
I noticed these in your cabinet shot and thought, wow I wonder what they will turn out to be - ahhhhh I'm very satisfied :)