>
>> In Bahia, Brasil, and perhaps elsewhere in that country, seashells are
>> considered bad luck!<
>
> Perhaps this originally referred to specimens that were not well-cleaned?
>
I spoke with a Brazilian who said that in Bahia shells are used to tell
one's fortune. So, when in Bahia, if you go to a fortune-teller, give it the
sniff test before the session.
David Kirsh
Durham, NC