Sand Dollar Facts and Legends. Mermaid Coins? Religious Symbol? (2024)

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Any beachcomber who finds Sand Dollars along their stroll considers it a lucky omen! They aren’t likely to be found on many beaches, but there are several spots around the United States where you’ll find them, including one of my favorites,Wingaersheek Beach, in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

I’ll give you some fascinating facts and two popular legends surrounding this fascinating creature of the sea. Which legend do you believe, if either?

Plus, there’s a free printable: “THE LEGEND OF THE SAND DOLLAR” poem, suitable for framing, and a Sand Dollar clip art image to use for any Sand Dollar DIY project (see DIY idea below).

Lastly, to pay homage to this echinoid— sweetly referred to as “sea biscuit” or “sea cookie”— there’s a Sand Dollar cookie recipe.

So let’s dive in.

Religious Legend of the Sand Dollar

The detailed features of the Sand Dollar have long been interpreted for its Christian symbolism.

The Sand Dollar legend is an Easter and Christmas favorite story. On the front are five slits representing the wounds on Christ when on the cross and the Easter lily with a star in the middle representing the star of Bethlehem. On the back is the outline of a Poinsettia, often called the Christmas flower. Once the Sand Dollar is broken open, the five “doves” are said to release good will and peace into the world.

This interpretation is the most prevalent of the myths in Christian society.

Non-Religious Legend of the Sand Dollar

The mythological legend of the Sand Dollar claims they represent coins lost by mermaids or the people of Atlantis, the mythical city that sank below the ocean millennia ago.

To beachcombers of the past, Sand Dollars suggest a large,silver coin, such as the oldSpanishorAmerican dollar. Well, this beachcomber of the present has A LOT of Sand Dollars…to me they’re a lovely find and beautiful coastal home decor addition.

Fascinating Sand Dollar facts

Sand dollars arecloselyrelatedtostarfish, sea lilies, sea cucumbers and sea urchins.

When found “alive” on the beach, a Sand Dollar is dark purplish in color. It is covered by many tiny hairs to help it move across the sea floor. When they die, the hairs and any attaching organic materials rot away leaving the “test”, which is the skeleton.

The skeleton is made of calcium carbonate, and its the calcium that reflects as white.

8 Things You (Might Not) Know About Sand Dollars

1. When they’re alive they aren’t white

Many beaches post signs that taking dark colored Sand Dollars are forbidden. You should only take home the white ones as souvenirs.

2. They eat with their hair

“In their sandy seafloor habitat, sand dollars use their fuzzy spines, aided by tiny hairs (cilia), to ferry food particles along their bodies to a central mouth on their bottom side,” according to theMonterey Bay Aquarium.

“They capture plankton with spines and pincers (pedicellariae) on their body surfaces. A tiny teepee-shaped cone of spines bunched up on a sand dollar’s body marks a spot where captive amphipods or crab larvae are being held for transport to the mouth.”

Read about the other 6 things you don’t know about Sand Dollars at Mother Nature Network.

The Legend of the Sand Dollar Poem

This will make a beautiful piece of wall art if printed on card stock, framed and displayed as art — on a wall or flat surface. What a sweet addition to a front entryway, child’s room, or guest room.

Use the clip art image on any DIY Sand Dollar project.

Almond Sand Dollar “Sea Cookies”

Make these yummy almond flavored cookies from The Monday Box. You can substitute vanilla flavoring if almond is too strong for your taste. I’ve made these using pine nuts as the “star” decoration. You don’t even need to walk the beach to enjoy these Sand Dollars!

The next time you stroll along your favorite beach keep an eye out for Sand Dollars. Whether you consider them a symbol of good will and peace, or the lost coins of Mermaids, finding one of these beach treasures is bound to add something special to your home.

Other posts you’ll like:

15 Best Shelling and Beachcombing Beaches in Florida

Wreaths from Beachcombing Finds (ideas and DIY)

Easy Kitchen or Furniture Makeover featuring Sand Dollars and other sea life creatures. Browse these cute cabinet knobs and drawer pulls. Replacing your old ones are an easy kitchen or furniture makeover.