Kissing Bronze for Babies 

Daily writing prompt

Scour the news for an entirely uninteresting story. Consider how it connects to your life. Write about that.

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Why Boring News is Actually Kind of Awesome

We live in an age of constant stimulation. Our news feeds are a relentless barrage of crises, controversies, and celebrity scandals. It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin. But what if, just for a moment, we paused the drama and turned our attention to something…well, boring?

I’m talking about the kind of news that makes your eyes glaze over.

The world throws surprises your way when you least expect them. Today, mine came in the form of an article, named “A cemetery statue” – not just any statue, mind you, but one with a rather…unique claim to fame.

Prepare yourselves, because we’re diving into the bizarre and fascinating story of Victor Noir’s tomb, a fertility symbol unlike any other.

Nestled within the sprawling Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris’ largest, lies Victor Noir. Now, Victor wasn’t a king, a war hero, or a renowned artist. He was a young journalist tragically shot in 1870.

Yet, his final resting place has become a global sensation, attracting a particular kind of visitor – women seeking a little… assistance in the baby-making department.

Here’s the rub (pun intended)

Legend has it that touching the bronze statue of Victor in specific ways bestows fertility blessings. Kiss his lips for a passionate love life, rub his right foot for a single pregnancy, or his left foot for twins!

The myth even promises a husband within a year for single ladies.

This quirky tradition has left its mark on the statue itself. Victor’s lips, groin, and shoes gleam brightly, polished by countless hopeful touches. The rest of the bronze, however, maintains its usual greenish patina.

This blatant display of devotion became a bit too much for the authorities in 2004. A fence was erected around the statue with a stern warning against “indecent rubbing.”

But underestimating the power of belief (and perhaps a healthy dose of Parisian rebellion), the fence was promptly torn down by a legion of determined women.

The Story Doesn’t End There

Women who claim to have conceived after visiting Victor’s tomb return to the cemetery, their hearts overflowing with gratitude. They leave tokens of their good fortune – photos of their children nestled in Victor’s hat, a testament to the statue’s supposed magic touch.

So, is there any truth to it all? As a history, crime, paranormal, and unsolved mysteries enthusiast, I crave the intersection of reality, myth, and coincidence. The truth is, there’s no scientific basis to Victor Noir’s fertility powers. It’s a pure folk belief, fueled by hope and a dash of superstition.

However, the power of belief itself can be a potent force. Perhaps the positive energy surrounding the ritual, the act of physically connecting with a symbol of hope, plays a part. Or maybe it’s just a great story that adds a touch of whimsy to a rather somber location.

Beyond Victor Noir

Victor’s story isn’t the only example of tombs with legendary powers. Shrines around the world are said to grant wishes, heal illnesses, or even bring good luck.

It’s a reminder of humanity’s enduring fascination with the unknown, our desire for a connection to something beyond ourselves, even in the face of death.

Have you encountered any such tombs on your travels? Or maybe you’ve heard about a story like Victor Noir? Share your stories in the comments below! Let’s keep the conversation about history, myth, and the strange but wonderful twists of life going.

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BE HAPPY….BE ACTIVE….BE FOCUSED….BE ALIVE…

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