Sand Dollar

by Vicki Maheu

Canvas Print

$42

Framed Print

$68

Art Print

$18

Poster

$18

Metal Print

$66

Acrylic Print

$74

Wood Print

$45

Throw Pillow

$25

Duvet Cover

$99

Shower Curtain

$66

Tote Bag

$24

Greeting Card

$5.45

iPhone Case

$27

Men's Clothing

$25

Women's Clothing

$25

Youth Clothing

$21

Toddler Clothing

$19

Baby Clothing

$23

Title

Sand Dollar

Artist

Vicki Maheu

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

The term sand dollar (or sea cookie or snapper biscuit in New Zealand, or pansy shell in South Africa) refers to species of extremely flattened, burrowing sea urchins belonging to the order Clypeasteroida. Some species within the order, not quite as flat, are known as sea biscuits. Related animals include the sea cucumbers and starfish.
The term "sand dollar" derives from the appearance of the tests (skeletons) of dead individuals after being washed ashore. The test lacks its velvet-like skin of spines and has often been bleached white by sunlight. To beachcombers of the past, this suggested a large, silver coin, such as the old Spanish or American dollar (diameter 38-40mm).
Other English names for the creatures include sand cake and cake urchin.[3] In South Africa, they are known as pansy shells from their suggestion of a five-petaled garden flower. The Caribbean sand dollar or inflated sea biscuit, Clypeaster rosaceus, is thicker in height than most.
In Spanish-speaking areas of the Americas, the sand dollar is most often known as galleta de mar (sea cookie); the translated term is often encountered in English.
The various common terms (sand dollar, sea biscuit, etc.) sometimes appear printed in hyphenated forms (sand-dollar, sea-biscuit).
When broken open, 5 "doves" can be found inside, these doves are part of the "jaw" structure of the Sand Dollar. Many have found Christian symbolism in the structure of the Sand Dollar.
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The Legend of the Sand Dollar
...........................................
There's a lovely 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.
...................................
Author Unknown