2006-06-19 00:31:28 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
The origin is the making of offerings to the gods of the spring or well.
2006-06-19 00:35:05 · answer #1 · answered by pica_septima 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oooo, so close!
Water spirits, it is!
The reason we toss coins into wells and fountains, knock or touch wood when we make a prediction and toss a pinch of salt over our LEFT shoulder when we spill some, are all traditions left over from the pre-Christian era, when woodland spirits were everywhere and constantly playing tricks on mere mortals. The coins are a bribe to the water spirits to grant our wishes. We touch the wood to awaken the tree spirits to our supplication. We toss the salt as a tribute to the spirits for the waste of the valuable commodity (salt).
Amazing how thee things hold on, isn't it? Europe has been mostly Christian for 1500 years, and yet we are still performing pagan rituals to appease woodland spirits.
Hiho
2006-06-19 06:06:34 · answer #2 · answered by Grendle 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
According to popular superstition and custom, throwing coins with one's right hand over one's left shoulder into the Trevi Fountain is a practice endowed with good luck. Throwing one coin ensures that the thrower will return to Rome; throwing two coins will ensure that the thrower will fall in love with a beautiful Roman girl or handsome boy; throwing three coins, finally, ensures that the thrower will marry that girl or boy in Rome itself.
2006-06-19 06:14:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It was a medieval con, people would throw money in and wish for better days and wealth, while the owner of the fountain would collect the money and have better days and wealth...........
2006-06-19 00:55:58 · answer #4 · answered by hankook 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It was an offering to the lady of the lake, or to the water sprites to decrase their mischeif.
2006-06-19 05:28:58 · answer #5 · answered by mischa 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋