Can anyone tell me about wishing wells? The history behind them?

Answer 1

A wishing well is a term from European folklore to describe wells where it was thought that any spoken wish would be granted. The idea that a wish would be granted came from the idea that water contained deities or had been placed there as a gift from the gods, since water was a source of life and oftentimes a scarce commodity. Water was seen to have healing powers and therefore wells became popular with many people drinking, bathing or just simply wishing over it. People believe that the guardians or dwellers of the well would grant them their wish if they paid a price. After uttering the wish, one would generally drop coins in the well. The tradition of dropping pennies in ponds and fountains stems from this. Coins would be placed there as gifts for the deity in thanks.

Answer 2

here's what I found
"A wishing well is a term from European folklore to describe wells where it was thought that any spoken wish would be granted. The idea that a wish would be granted came from the idea that water contained deities or had been placed there as a gift from the gods, since water was a source of life and oftentimes a scarce commodity. Water was seen to have healing powers and therefore wells became popular with many people drinking, bathing or just simply wishing over it. People believe that the guardians or dwellers of the well would grant them their wish if they paid a price. After uttering the wish, one would generally drop coins in the well. The tradition of dropping pennies in ponds and fountains stems from this. Coins would be placed there as gifts for the deity in thanks."

Answer 3

Long ago, even before the days of Camelot, the ancient Druid Priestesses were given the gift of lifting the veil and effecting future events by seeing the visions in the pools at the sacred waters. Such as the Eternal Spring that still runs in Cornwall, UK.

Wishing wells came much later in folk and fairy tales as organized religion decried the ancient rituals...Present wells are just commercial efforts..though some others have been blessed and consecrated. The waters of Lourdes are wishing wells, so to speak, but they have the approval of a major religion.

Answer 4

hmmm two ppl with the same answer