Crab with Cross

In a Malaysian news article, it highlighted an interesting phenomena: Why Malacca crabs carry the cross by K. Mohanan.

"Now is the time for beer and crabs in Malacca, but for the Catholics it's time for religious rejoicing.

The reason: The crabs caught off the Malacca beaches at this time of the tyear have distinct signs of a cross on their shells.

Today, Mr. V. F. Chatterton: of the Malacca istorical Society told me the legend behind the appearance of these unique crabs.

"One day Saint Francis Xavier was sailing from Ambon to a neighboring island and the boat was caught in a strom. The saint calmed the storm by dipping his crucifix into the waves.

Accidentally, the crucifix fell into the sea and the saint prayed that it would be returned to him.

A day later in Baramurah Island, a crab was seen coming out of the water with the crucifix held upright in its claws." Mr Chatterton said.

St Francis then blessed that crab and since then annually crabs appear on the beaches of Malacca with the sign of the cross on their backs.

Mr Chatterton added that this story was recorded by eye-witness to the even. Fausto Rodrigues, and the records are still in existence in Portugal.



So my crab-loving friends, anyone wants to confirm the scientific significance of this crab? hee hee