Do you believe in luck?
I’m not sure about anything in this world, but I sure have seen some lucky and unlucky things. I’ve seen those videos on the internet where a huge truck skids across the pavement, barely missing the pedestrian. Or the tree that falls on someone’s car just moments after they exit. Or what about the lucky schmuck who wins the Powerball and takes home a billion dollars?
Yeah. I think luck is out there. On both ends.
I’m not the only one who thinks this way. We see people carrying on about luck, with four-leaf clovers, rabbit’s feet, and ladders to avoid.
And here’s another thing. All around the world, there are statues that people are rubbing to bring great fortune or grant wishes.
These monuments include everything from boars to mermaids to monkeys.
People travel for miles just to touch the statues on their toes and noses, or their testicles and breasts.
It is apparent that these statues have become well-worn at certain areas from visitors’ wishful rubbing. Some of these figures are now guarded from busy hands, many are still open to lucky rubbing.
The places to go for rubbing luck.
Oh. And take your hand sanitizer, I’d say.
1. Gregory of Nin’s Big Toe
City: Split
Country: Croatia
Visitors rub the giant bronze toe for wishes and good luck.
2. David Hume Statue
City: Edinburgh
Country: Scotland, United Kingdom
People rub the philosopher’s toe for wisdom and luck.
3. Lincoln Tomb
City: Springfield, Illinois
Country: United States
Tourists rub Abraham Lincoln’s nose for good fortune.
4. Mermaid of Ustka
City: Ustka
Country: Poland
Rubbing the mermaid statue is said to grant wishes.
5. Philbert the Pig
City: Cincinnati, Ohio
Country: United States
A bronze pig statue connected with luck and prosperity.
6. Charging Bull
City: New York City, New York
Country: United States
People rub the bull for wealth and financial luck.
7. Il Porcellino
City: Florence
Country: Italy
Rubbing the boar’s snout supposedly guarantees a return to Florence.
8. Juliet Statue
City: Verona
Country: Italy
Touching the statue is associated with luck in love.
9. Victor Noir Monument
City: Paris
Country: France
Visitors rub the monument for fertility and romance.
10. Statue of Saint Peter
City: Vatican City
Country: Vatican City
Pilgrims rub or kiss the worn foot of Saint Peter.
11. Everard t’Serclaes Monument
City: Brussels
Country: Belgium
Touching the statue is believed to make wishes come true.
12. Tünnes und Schäl Statues
City: Cologne
Country: Germany
Rubbing the statues is thought to bring luck.
13. Lucky Belly
City: Dublin
Country: Ireland
People touch the sculpture for fortune and prosperity.
14. Frog Baby Fountain
City: Muncie, Indiana
Country: United States
Students traditionally rubbed the nose before exams for luck.
15. Billiken Statue
City: St. Louis, Missouri
Country: United States
The Billiken figure has long been considered a symbol of luck.
16. Winged Figures of the Republic
City: Las Vegas, Nevada
Country: United States
Visitors rub the statues’ toes for good fortune.
17. Wisconsin Capitol Badger
City: Madison, Wisconsin
Country: United States
Rubbing the badger’s nose is a local tradition for luck.
18. Legends of Samogitia Statue
City: Telšiai
Country: Lithuania
Touching the bear’s nose is said to grant wishes.
19. St. John of Nepomuk Statue
City: Prague
Country: Czech Republic
People rub the plaques on the statue for luck and a return to Prague.
20. Lingyin Temple Laughing Buddha
City: Hangzhou
Country: China
Rubbing the Buddha’s belly is linked to happiness and prosperity.
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“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” — Seneca
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“I’m a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.” — Thomas Jefferson
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“The amount of good luck coming your way depends on your willingness to act.” — Barbara Sher
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“Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.” — Dalai Lama
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