Why do we tell children to toss coins in a well and make a wish? Well, it depends whether you go for the European, Celts, or Norse tales and beliefs.
Wishing wells were common in Europe. It was believed that when a person spoke their wishes the spirits that lived in the water would grant them. If they were bribed by dropping a coin into the water.
In the Celts history their is a famous temple around spring water that is dedicated to a Celtic goddess. Archaeologists found small gifts like pottery, buttons, beads, and coins dating back to around 407 C.E.
Within Norse mythology there is a tale in which Odin throws his eye in the Well of Wisdom as payment for the wisdom he received. Now there are an abundance of cultures that have similar tales that ties back to the origin of the wishing well but these were the ones that I found most interesting. I hope you did to!
Wishing wells were common in Europe. It was believed that when a person spoke their wishes the spirits that lived in the water would grant them. If they were bribed by dropping a coin into the water.
Within Norse mythology there is a tale in which Odin throws his eye in the Well of Wisdom as payment for the wisdom he received. Now there are an abundance of cultures that have similar tales that ties back to the origin of the wishing well but these were the ones that I found most interesting. I hope you did to!
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