Driftwood,shells,stones and sand dollars..........

....that I picked up on the beaches on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Canada.
I particularly love the sand dollars with their beautiful markings.

The following quote explains a little of the legend surrounding them -

It is said that Christ left the sand dollar as a symbol to help the evangelists teach the faith. The five holes commemorate the five wounds of Christ, while at the center on one side blooms the Easter Lily, and at the lily's heart is the Star of Bethlehem. The Christmas poinsettia is etched on the other side, a reminder of Christ's birth. According to this legend, if you break the centre, five white doves will be released to spread goodwill and peace.