Why would you do that?
By Fleur
@Fleura (34927)
United Kingdom
November 2, 2021 6:11am CST
Why do people throw coins into water?
I mean I understand that in ancient times, people used to make offerings to the gods and goddesses which they believed inhabited places such as springs, and I can see why they might regard fresh water coming out of the ground as a sort of magic.
And then there are those rituals everyone likes to take part in, such as throwing a coin into Rome’s Trevi fountain as a ‘guarantee’ that you will return some day.
But nowadays it seems that some people will toss coins into practically anything wet!
A little while ago we had a family outing to a zoo. This included a tropical house, where there was a sort of reproduced forest on multiple levels with lots of free-flying birds, as well as a ‘waterfall’ cascading into a shallow pond. And in the pond there was quite a collection of coins.
Little One and I were just standing there looking at the pond and wondering aloud why anyone would throw coins into what is clearly part of the housing for the animals, when in walked a couple with two young boys. And as soon as they saw the pool, the father took out some coins, gave some to each boy and said ‘Here you are, throw these in the water’!
Why would you do that??
I think I will put a bucket of water on the roadside outside our house and see what happens….
The picture shows the pool with the waterfall, and a Victorian crowned pigeon walking in front of it.
All rights reserved. © Text and image copyright Fleur 2021.
9 people like this
11 responses
@LadyDuck (502148)
• Italy
2 Nov 21
This is an ancient thing in Fontana di Trevi in Rome. People throw a coin (giving the back to the fountain), to be sure they will come back to see Rome again. The G20 leaders all did that the past Saturday and I thought it was pretty ridiculous. I am sure that the Mayor of Rome is more than happy if the tradition continues, the past years they collected more than 1 million Europe from the fountain.
3 people like this
@Fleura (34927)
• United Kingdom
2 Nov 21
I do think it's silly. I have been to Rome twice and didn't feel the need to throw any money anywhere.
A few years ago I remember a man was prosecuted for taking coins from the fountain. That seemed unfair to me - if people throw coins in why can't other people take them out?
1 person likes this
@allknowing (153544)
• India
3 Nov 21
The only place I know where one throws coins and that too just 3 is at the Trevi Fountain in Rome Italy and while doing that each time a coin is thrown a wish is made.
1 person likes this
@changjiangzhibin89 (17239)
• China
3 Nov 21
Here almost all temples have such pools with many coins at its bottoms.Your post reminds me of the 16th G20 summit where the G20 leaders each threw a coin into the Trevi Fountain behind them.
1 person likes this
@changjiangzhibin89 (17239)
• China
4 Nov 21
@Fleura I have never thrown a coin into such pools.I am an atheist.
1 person likes this
@JESSY3236 (22199)
• United States
2 Nov 21
Yeah clearly that is not a place do that in. The tradition is to make a wish when throw one in. But it is usually is a fountain.
1 person likes this
@wilsongoddard (7291)
• United States
2 Nov 21
Depending on the traffic flow past your house, the bucket of water might not be a bad idea. 
Perhaps, the state of the world is what drives people to embrace the "wishing well" idea. People have been trained to run on "wishes" and "hopes" in a variety of areas of life, so this sort of superstitious practice doesn't seem out of place.
Perhaps, the state of the world is what drives people to embrace the "wishing well" idea. People have been trained to run on "wishes" and "hopes" in a variety of areas of life, so this sort of superstitious practice doesn't seem out of place.1 person likes this
@ihasaquestion (8273)
•
2 Nov 21
I have heard of this thing before. It has got to do with tradition and special beliefs of people. I don't believe in it, but I respect it nevertheless. But I agree with you on the safety aspect though.
1 person likes this
