Throwing coins into fountains for good luck is a tradition that has been occurring for centuries all over the world. Many movies and songs have depicted this practice, which has become a superstition that many people participate in. The custom dates back to Roman-British and Celtic mythology, with the idea stemming from leaving offerings to spirits that reside in or transit through water, seen as a cleansing element necessary for life. The tradition has evolved over time, with people now throwing coins into different places, such as airplane turbines, for good luck. The monetary offerings can have symbolic meaning, representing a connection to higher powers for those who believe in them.
Bill Maurer, an anthropologist, explains that while offerings used to include food, special stones, and other artifacts, with the invention of coinage, people switched to using money for rituals. Coins are seen as having quasi-magical properties that can connect individuals to otherworldly powers. The tradition crosses cultures and income levels, with people from all backgrounds participating in this practice. People also leave coins at statues of deities for good fortune and overcoming obstacles. It is believed that offering coins as a sacrifice is more important than the monetary amount, as the gods are not seen as capitalists.
Some well-known fountains can collect thousands or even millions of dollars worth of coins each year. The Trevi Fountain in Rome accumulated about $1.5 million in coins in a single year, which are collected by city workers and distributed to charities by a Catholic non-profit organization. Private fountains, such as those at the Mall of America, also collect thousands of dollars annually, which can be donated to non-profit organizations. In some cases, the coins simply remain in the fountains, keeping the wishes of throwers alive. People generally do not collect the money from the fountains themselves, as it is considered bad form.
The tradition of throwing coins for good luck has expanded beyond water sources, with documented cases in East Asia where people throw coins into airplane turbines before boarding for luck. Centuries ago, people also placed coins into the wood of boats for good luck. The idea of making a monetary sacrifice to seek favor from higher powers has transcended time and culture. While the practice may vary in its execution, the underlying belief in the power of coin offerings remains consistent. The act of throwing coins for luck is deeply ingrained in many societies and continues to be a widely practiced tradition.
