What does a shell represent in baptism?

Answer 1

Catholic AnswerFor several reasons, it was used to pour the water used in baptism, it was an symbol of St. James, it was a symbol for St. Augustine, and one of the symbols for the Blessed Virgin Mary.

from Modern Catholic Dictionary by John A. Hardon, S.J. Doubleday & Co., Inc. Garden City, NY 1980

Shell. An emblem of baptism since the twelfth century. Once pouring water was the accepted mode for baptizing, the shell became a handy accessory. Also a symbol for the pilgrim, explaining probably why the shell is an emblem of St. James the Apostle, whose shrine is a famed place of pilgrimage. It is also the emblem for St. Augustine, who had a vision of a child (believed to be Christ) who told him that he could sooner empty the ocean with a shell than understand the Trinity. The shell is likewise one of the numerous symbols of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Answer 2

You don't normally use a shell.

Shells have been associated with baptism since the early days of baptism. John the Baptist is said to have used a shell to scoop up the water to baptize Jesus.

Answer 3

Catholic AnswerI'm not sure, below is a discussion of shells used in baptism and possible meanings. It definitely is not official Church teaching or anything.http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=509275