Lucky Charms in Belgium (Top #5)
Belgians are known for their ancestral superstitions and myths that still exist today. Some magical symbols have survived through the ages, bringing luck and good fortune to the inhabitants of the flatlands.
In short, discover here the 5 biggest lucky charms in Belgium!
Contents :
1. “Li Tore”: bull from the city of Liège
2. “Manneken Pis”: emblem of Brussels
3. “The statue of t’Serclaes”: bas-relief to touch
“Li Tore”: bull from the city of Liège
Belgium is home to many ancient superstitions and traditions, including good luck. Let's discover some of the most emblematic of the country.
Li Tore is one of the best known: a bronze bull located in Liège. Its large format and majestic presence captivate visitors. It is said that touching one's private part would bring good luck to people who approach it.
According to legend, this tradition dates back centuries before, when the prince bishop noticed that his subjects lacked endurance in the face of life's daily difficulties. To remedy this, he ordered a powerful statue so that everyone could absorb part of his strength and attract luck and prosperity to them!
“Manneken Pis”: emblem of Brussels
An essential symbol in Belgium, Mannequin Pis is a small sculpture representing a young boy who has urinated in a public fountain since 161-. Statue stands on the Grand Place in Brussels and plays an important role in Belgian culture.
Legend has it that Mannequin Pis was built to commemorate the courage of a young boy who saved Brussels by urinating on a lit fuse, thus preventing the enemy from burning the city. Since this historic moment, it has been considered the symbol of Brussels resistance and respectfully honored by local residents.
In short, this mythical monument is recognized as a tribute to the audacity of the Belgians and will always remain in the walls of downtown Brussels in order to remind future generations of this unique history of which they can be proud.
“The statue of t’Serclaes”: bas-relief to touch
Located in Brussels, not far from Mannequin Pis, is the Statue of te Cercler. This sculpture represents Evrard te Cercle who played an essential role in the independence of Flemish cities in the 14th century. According to popular tradition, touching this statue brings luck to visitors and allows them to grant their dearest wishes. We therefore regularly see local residents or tourists rubbing it before an important exam or to attract fortune and happiness in their daily lives.
The Statue of Te Cercerr is a very popular lucky work located in Brussels near the Mannequin Pis Historical Monument. It also offers visitors the opportunity to see their dearest wishes granted by touching its sculpted surface representing Evrard te Cercle which played a decisive role in the independence of Flemish villages during the Middle Ages. Many people come to rub it before an important event or simply to obtain prosperity and well-being every day.
Surrealism, art deco, Belgian and art nouveau
Belgium is renowned for its rich artistic history. Movements such as surrealism, art deco and art nouveau influenced the creation of lucky objects typical of this country.
Surreal carnival masks are characteristic elements of Binche and the annual festivities organized there. Art deco jewelry decorated with geometric patterns also represents a renowned Belgian symbol for its originality and its ability to bring positive energy.
This unique artistic heritage is manifested by the ancient or modern objects fashioned by Belgian designers which continue to be very popular today. These exceptional pieces trace the country's cultural diversity and offer a constant reminder of the positive values it embodies.
“The Monkey of the Grand Garde”: lucky monkey from Mons
Belgian lucky charms are unique and fascinating. The city of Mons is home to one of the best known: the Singe du Grand Garde. A bronze statue perched on the balcony of a house dating from the 18th century, it is endowed with an ancient legend according to which stroking its skull would allow everyone to see their wishes granted quickly.
Thus, every year, during local festivities such as the Doudou (folkloric procession), the inhabitants greet this monkey to hope for joy and fortune. Li Tore in Liège offers strength and prosperity while Mannequin Pis in Brussels provides protection against external dangers. These symbols are therefore an integral part of Belgian cultural heritage that it would be a shame not to discover! Who knows if it will bring us luck?
To explore the subject further
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