June 21

National Seashell Day

Ready to hit the beach and celebrate National Seashell Day? Gather up your friends and search for seashells, then create a unique souvenir to remember it by!

Yearly Date

June 21

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Welcome to National Seashell Day on June 21st! This day is all about celebrating the beauty, diversity and wonder of seashells. From their unique shapes and patterns to their vibrant colors, these shells have been around since the beginning of time and can be found in almost every ocean in the world. Whether you're a beachcomber or a collector, this special day is your chance to appreciate the majesty of seashells. So grab your bucket and head out for a shell-finding adventure!

National Seashell Day Timeline

5th Century BC

Ancient Shell Use

People in the ancient Phoenician civilization were using seashells as a form of money.

1600s

Dutch Trade with Shells

The Dutch started to use Cowrie shells in trade with the native population of Mauritius during the colonial rule.

1800s

Victorian Shell Art

Seashell art and collecting became a popular hobby among wealthy Victorians, leading to elaborate shell-encrusted decorative items.

1950s

Malacology Emerges

Malacology, the branch of zoology that studies mollusks, of which seashells are a large part, gained credibility as a scientific field.

2016

National Seashell Day Inception

The first National Seashell Day was celebrated, aimed at promoting awareness and appreciation for seashells and marine life.

How to Celebrate National Seashell Day

1 Go to the beach

This is a no-brainer. Head to your nearest beach and go looking for seashells. Don't forget to look for other things too, like crabs, starfish, and any other creatures you can find.

2 Make a seashell craft

Make something special with your seashells. Create a picture frame with your shells or make jewelry. You can even make a wind chime or art piece with your finds.

3 Collect seashells

If you're feeling ambitious, start a collection of seashells. Take different sizes and shapes of shells and add them to your collection. You can even paint them if you like.

4 Host a beach party

Invite some friends and family over for a beach party. Decorate with seashells, cook up some seafood and have fun on the beach.

5 Go shell hunting

Take a walk along the shoreline and look for shells that have been washed up by the tide. It's a great way to explore nature and find some unique shells.

Why We Love National Seashell Day

Seashells are beautiful

Unequivocally, the beauty of shells is something to marvel at. Varying shapes, sizes and colors create an endlessly diverse array of shells. Each shell is unique and has its own breathtaking characteristics.

Seashells Crystallize Memories

Finding a seashell may bring back fond memories of trips past. Seashells can remind us of happy times spent with friends and family while searching for them along the beach or coastline, or simply relaxing in the sun, listening to the calming sound of the ocean.

Seashells help Celebrate Nature's Beauty

Apart from serving as amazing decorations for homes and office spaces, seashells also serve as reminders of how amazing and beautiful nature can be. Whether you find one by accident or take a trip dedicated to finding them, it's always fun to admire these little pieces of natural art!