The Manneken Pis is a famous statue in Brussels, Belgium, depicting a young boy urinating into a fountain. It was created in 1619 and has many myths surrounding it. The community dresses the statue in clothing for significant events, and it was originally a drinking fountain.
The Manneken Pis is a statue located in Brussels, Belgium. It is a famous landmark and tourist attraction created by the Baroque sculptor Jerome Duquesnoy. The statue depicts a young naked boy standing over a fountain and urinating into it. Numerous popular myths and legends have emerged about the statue. Local traditions, such as dressing the statue in clothing, are common, and replicas of the Manneken Pis exist all over the world.
The current statue was created in 1619. It is made of bronze and has been sited in its current location above a fountain since its creation. Before 1619, another statue stood in its place. The earlier statue was most likely made of stone and originated in the mid-15th century, but may date from the 15th.
There are several stories regarding the boy. The most popular centers around the infant duke Goffredo III. According to the story, a basket that held the baby was hung from a tree during a battle in the town of Ransbeke. The noble child urinated on the enemy troops, who eventually lost the battle.
A different account of the boy’s story states that the invaders besieged Brussels. They planned to blow up the city walls using explosives, which would bring down the city’s defenses. A boy named Julianske urinated on the fuse, saving the city. Other stories usually involve a lost or missing child on the streets of Brussels.
Since the 20th century, the community has occasionally dressed the Manneken Pis in clothing intended to commemorate both modern and historically significant events. There are hundreds of outfits from past events, and each year a committee reviews submissions and suggestions for new outfits Manneken Pi might wear in the coming year. His dress is changed a few times a week at the discretion of the steering committee. The change of costumes is often accompanied by some sort of ceremony.
Originally, the Manneken Pis was most likely intended to be a drinking fountain that citizens could frequent for water. The fountain is now sectioned off, making access to the waterway more difficult. Occasionally, however, the statue’s supply lines are rerouted and attached to beer kegs that passers-by are encouraged to sample.
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