Dublin’s Controversial Decision: Protecting Molly Malone’s Statue
Recently, the Dublin City Council took an unusual step: they provided security for the statue of Molly Malone to prevent tourists from groping the monument’s prominent features. This statue, representing a figure from Irish folklore, has become a hotspot for unwanted attention, particularly focused on its bronze bust. The council even considered raising the statue in a previous proposal to keep it out of reach of wandering hands.
A Tradition of Touching Statues
Molly Malone is not alone in this phenomena. Take a walk to Puerta del Sol in the heart of Madrid, and you’ll find the iconic Bear and the Strawberry Tree statue, another famous work of art that also suffers from constant human contact. This statue, created by sculptor Antonio Navarro, has seen its buttocks and one leg turn golden due to extensive touching from locals and visitors alike.
The Iconic Bear of Madrid
Puerta del Sol serves as a central gathering point in Madrid, making the Bear and the Strawberry Tree statue one of the most photographed monuments since its installation in 1967. However, if you visit today, two noticeable features will catch your eye.
First, you are likely to encounter a long queue of tourists eager to take their pictures beside the bear. Secondly, upon closer inspection, the statue appears to be two-colored. While most of the bear’s body maintains a dark hue, one leg and its tail shine with a lighter, almost golden color, a testament to the persistent touching it has endured over the years.
Beliefs and Superstitions
The legend surrounding Molly Malone suggests that touching her breasts brings good luck. Interestingly, a similar belief surrounds the Bear and the Strawberry Tree. Visitors often fondly believe that touching the bear, specifically its tail or leg, will guarantee their return to Madrid.
A quick search through social media platforms unveils numerous posts by individuals who claim that touching the bear ensures a happy return to the city. Some suggest that it is the tail that needs to be touched for those visiting, while locals are advised to touch the leg.
Cultural Phenomena or Superstition?
These behaviors often stem from superstitions, similar to other famous monuments marked by wear and tear from touch. For example, the Porcellino statue in Florence also suffers from a polished snout due to tourist affection, reflecting a similar pattern in behaviors across different cultures. Some even believe that caressing the penis of Victor Noir’s statue in Paris will result in good love and sexual fortune for women.
But why do people gravitate towards touching statues? The explanation isn’t as complex as one might think; it relates more to cultural transmission and human instinct. Over time, the act of touching becomes a tradition, perpetuated by the pursuit of iconic selfies and the desire to return home with memorable photographs. This habit often becomes self-reinforcing as more tourists become attracted to the shiny parts of the statues, leading them to touch them as well.
The Role of Social Media
Social media platforms like TikTok amplify such rituals, allowing trends to spread quickly. For example, many tourists admit they were prompted to touch the bear after seeing others do so in viral TikTok videos. The trend isn’t new; the habit of touching the bear likely predates the pandemic but has seen significant growth due to online visibility.
Should We Touch Statues?
This raises a significant question: is it appropriate to treat public sculptures as personal touchstones? Some argue that while it may seem harmless, the cumulative effect can damage these historical artworks. Dublin’s decision to enhance security around Molly Malone’s statue reaffirms a stance that some forms of interaction—particularly groping—cross the line.
While there may not be a clear answer, what is evident is that touching statues has transformed into a contemporary practice influenced heavily by cultural beliefs, social behaviors, and digital platforms. Each of these facets contributes to the ongoing dialogue about the significance of public art in urban spaces.
As we navigate tourism and its impacts on cultural artifacts, perhaps it’s time to reconsider the balance between enjoyment and preservation. The evolving relationship with our public statues reflects broader societal trends and the need to respect both history and art in our daily lives.