Suddenly, a small bronze figure captures your gaze amidst the bustling streets. This is Manneken Pis. He stands here a symbol of Brussels. He is loved by locals and admired by tourists. But what is the story behind this cheeky little chap?
Manneken Pis literally translates to little man pee in the local Dutch dialect. In French, he is known as le petit Julien. The statue has become a cliché. Recreated on t-shirts and beer labels around the world. However, the origins of Manneken Pis are practical. He also has a little bit of whimsy.
The statue has survived the bombardment of Brussels in 1695. He also survived various wear and tear over the centuries. Local records show the fountain was used as early as the 15th century. It helped distribute drinking water across the city.
For tourists, the statue is high on the list of places to visit. For many locals, the meaning is much deeper. The fountain symbolizes a certain spirit of Brussels. It is steadfast playful and highly individual. The statue no longer distributes water. Yet, it nourishes the city in a new way. It provides entertainment and a sense of play. It reminds residents of the city’s rich history. It also reminds them of its perpetually evolving identity.
Since the 18th century the little statue is dressed up. He wears costumes to mark special occasions and festivals. You never know what you might find little man pee masquerading as.
What about the little boy who inspired the statue? Legend tends to overshadow facts here. One tale says the statue is a likeness of a boy. He saved Brussels from fire and disaster. He peed on the fuse of an explosive. Another story depicts the boy as the victim of a witch’s spell. He was frozen in time as punishment for peeing on her door. Whatever the case may be the statue is likely here to stay. He is snapshot fodder for the many visitors who visit the city each year. He is a good reminder of humor and history for the city’s lucky inhabitants.
Manneken Pis was designed in 1388. He is one of the most representative and loved symbols of Brussels. The small bronze statue measures 50 cm. He represents a small naked boy urinating into a fountain’s basin. He is located in the old part of town. He is between rue de l’Etuve and rue Chene. He is next to the Grand Place.
Many armed forces have tried to steal the statue throughout the years. An ex-convict was finally able to do so in 1817. The statue was broken into 11 pieces. It was welded together again. It has been maintained there to the present day. The base shows both the original date of fabrication and restoration. It reads 1620 REST 1817.
Many legends surround this tiny surprising statue. One legend says the little boy put out a fire with his tinkle. He saved the city from being burnt down. Another belief says that during a battle in Ransbeke a two-year-old Lord was hung from a tree in a basket. This was to bring his troops luck. He urinated on the enemy troops and they lost the battle. According to another legend the son of a noble abandoned a procession. He urinated on the wall of a witch’s house. Angered by his action the witch transformed him into a statue.
In 1698 a governor gave the little statue its first tunic. It was the first of the 1000 outfits Manneken Pis owns currently. These costumes have been given by visiting presidents. Visitors can discover all the little hero’s wardrobe. It includes regional dresses a bullfighter or Elvis costume. These are in the Musee de la Ville. It is housed in La Maison du Roi. Manneken Pis is regularly dressed up. A published schedule is posted on the railings of the fountain. The Friends of Manneken-Pis manage the schedule.
Manneken Pis has become one of the most important landmarks in Brussels. He embodies the belgitude. The self-derisive nature is also an example of folk humour popular in Brussels.
Before you leave Manneken Pis take a moment. Consider the history and the humor. This little statue encapsulates the spirit of Brussels. A city that doesn’t take itself too seriously. A city with a rich past. A city that continues to evolve.