Shell, Scalloped

SCALLOPED SHELL -  Seashells are an ancient Christian symbol referring to religious pilgrimages and spiritual protection.  Seashells were also used as the symbol of rebirth.  Scallop shell symbolism is associated with the apostle, James. James was the son of Zebedee, a fisherman of Galilee, and brother of John the Evangelist.  He was among the circle of men closest to Jesus, being present with Peter and John at the Transfiguration (KJV Matthew 17:1-5),  and again at the Agony in the Garden (KJV Matthew 26:36-46), where the same three are seen sleeping while Christ prays.  A series of legends dating from the Middle Ages tells of his mission to Spain and burial at Compostella, which then became one of the great centers of Christian pilgrimage.  It was well-established as a place of pilgrimage by the eleventh century, next in importance to Jerusalem and Rome.  St. James used the scallop shell during his pilgrimage to ask for food and water.  Even the poorest people could fill the small shell, so he always found help along his way.  Later, followers of St. James wore the scallop-shell symbol on their hats and clothes and it became the symbol of pilgrimage.

The seashell, especially the scallop, is also associated with baptism in Christianity.  The baptismal font is often shaped like a scallop, or decorated with one.  The dish used by priests to pour water over the heads of a Christian convert under instruction before baptism is often scallop-shaped.