Gastropods (/ˈɡæstrəpɒdz/), commonly known as slugs and snails, belong to a large taxonomic class of invertebrates within the phylum Mollusca called Gastropoda (/ɡæsˈtrɒpədə/). Gastropoda.
The snail has been a source of fascination and symbolism since ancient times. With its spiral shell and slow, deliberate movement, the snail represents patience, resilience, and resourcefulness.In myths and folklore around the world, snail symbolism is complex and varied.
French
French folklore includes the Lou Carcolh, a mythical beast that is described as a large,snail-like serpent with a big shelland hairy tentacles.It is said to live in a cavern beneath the town of Hastingues in Southwestern France.
Japanese
In the Japanise folktale Mud-snail Son,a childless couple pray to a deity for a son and may either adopt a small snail or recieve a child in responce to their prayers.
Greek
Greek poet Hesiod wrote that snailsclimbing stalks indicated when it was time to harvest.
Medievel
Medieval painters included snails in paintings of the Virgin Mary because they believed the shells represented modesty and that snails reproduced without sex.
Aztec
The Aztecs concidered snails sacred,and their shells represented the cycle of life,time and fertility. The moon god Tecciztecati, who started as a god of worms and snails, wore a snail shell on his back to symbolize rebirth.
Yoruba
In Yoruba creation myth, the sky father Obatala had a magic snail shell that contained earth. He used the shell to create the continents by casting the landonto the oceans and then molded men and beasts.
Hindu
In Hindu scriptures, Shankha (shell) is a symbol of longevity and welth. It is also said to cleanse sin and represent Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.
At the Geo-Solstice event we were lucky to meet wonderful TeamSnails. Here is the cache with the convinient parking and trailhead to Del Mar Mesa Ecological Reserve. Hope you find it. Enjoy!