The Legend of the Sand Dollar

The Legend of the Sand Dollar

The Legend of the Sand Dollar is an Easter and Christmas favorite. On the front of the sand dollar 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.

A sand dollar "dove"

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.

Make Almond Sand Dollar Cookies from The Monday Box.

They're yummy! If you don't care for almonds and almond extract, you can substitute pine nuts for the "star" decoration and vanilla extract.