Artist Statement: The word reliquary comes from the French word reliquaire, meaning “a receptacle, such as an altar or shrine, for keeping and displaying sacred relics.” They typically hold precious stones, fossils, pictures, and religious relics.The sand dollar inside this reliquary box comes from the Jurassic period and is the fossilized remains of the skeleton of a type of sea urchin that burrows into the sand near shorelines. It is also rich in Christian symbolism. According to what has become known as the Sand Dollar Legend, the sand dollar tells the story of Christ’s birth, death and resurrection. The natural design etched on the sand dollar’s face stands for the Easter lily, a symbol of the Resurrection. The star shape in the middle of the lily is said to be the Star of Bethlehem. On the back of the sand dollar is another shape. This one is believed to represent the Poinsettia, the Christmas flower. The five slits in a sand dollar are said to represent the four wounds to Christ’s hands and feet and the spear that pierced His side.

A sand dollar’s Christian symbolism does not end when it breaks. Inside a sand dollar are five small pieces of shell that look like doves. These doves are said to be the doves of good will, peace and joy. According to some legends, if a Christian breaks a sand dollar, the doves will spread God’s love and peace to those around them.