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Scotch Bonnet Seashells
Jun 20
Seashell Day
Bag O' Shells
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"The Sith sells sea shells down by the seashore!"
~ tongue-twisters of the sea
The old tongue-twister "She sells seashells by the seashore" can just as easily be reckoned with Sith (pronounced SHEE) instead of "she." In Scottish folklore, a Sith is one of the fairy folk said to inhabit the hills and hidden places of the Highlands, maybe even visiting the shore to commune with the Selkies, making a shell-hunting excursion an opportunity to experience something unusual!
The winding curves and repeating patterns found in seashells may also be found in this 32 bar strathspey for three couples, devised by Sue McKinnell, with its Knot, Bourrel, Petronella, and Reeling figures. Fortunately, unlike seashell collecting, no bending over is required—just a willingness to strathspey your way down the shore
If you happen to be exploring the southeastern coast of the United States, particularly from North Carolina to Florida, keep your eyes peeled for the famous Scotch Bonnet seashell. Named for its resemblance to a traditional Scottish bonnet and admired for its tartan-like pattern, it is one of the region's most distinctive and sought-after shells.🕺 💃 💙 💚 💙 🌊 🪣 🐚 🐚 🐚
Bag O' Shells
The world of seashell collecting is filled with treasures, but few are as coveted as the rarest seashells, which are the holy grails of the marine world.
Glory of the Sea Cone (Conus gloriamaris)
Description: This shell is renowned for its intricate, net-like pattern of golden-brown lines over a cream background. It was once considered the rarest shell in the world, with only a few specimens known until more were discovered in the 20th century.
Habitat: Found in the tropical Indo-Pacific region, particularly around the Philippines and Fiji.
Junonia Shell (Scaphella junonia)
Description: This elegant shell features a creamy white base adorned with distinct brown spots. It is highly sought after by beachcombers due to its beauty and rarity.
Habitat: Typically found in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico and occasionally washed ashore on the beaches of Florida.
Wentletrap Shell (Epitonium scalare)
Description: Known for its striking, tightly coiled spiral and delicate, ribbed structure, the Wentletrap shell is a marvel of natural architecture. Its white or pale color adds to its ethereal beauty.
Habitat: These shells are found in the shallow waters of tropical and subtropical seas worldwide.
Lion's Paw Scallop (Nodipecten nodosus)
Description: The Lion's Paw Scallop is distinguished by its vibrant orange, red, or purple coloration and its large, fan-like shape with pronounced ridges.
Habitat: Found in the western Atlantic Ocean, from North Carolina to Brazil, and in the Gulf of Mexico.
Murex Shell (Chicoreus ramosus)
Description: This shell is famous for its elaborate spines and frills, with a heavy, robust structure. The Murex shell often features a white or pinkish hue with darker streaks.
Habitat: Inhabits the rocky and coral reef areas of the Indo-Pacific region.
Scaphella costata (Imperial Volute)
Description: The Imperial Volute is known for its strikingly beautiful patterns of zigzag lines in shades of brown and orange on a cream-colored base, with a glossy, elongated shape.
Habitat: Found in the shallow waters of the Philippines and surrounding areas.
Sundial Shell (Architectonica perspectiva)
Description: This shell boasts a mesmerizing, perfectly symmetrical spiral pattern resembling a sundial, with alternating bands of light and dark coloration.
Habitat: Found in sandy or muddy bottoms of warm seas, primarily in the Indo-Pacific region.
For more seashell hunting advice for Scottish shores, click the rare Sea Cone!
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
