‘Wishing Well’ of Luray Caverns, Virginia, USA. The dark pools in the Luray Caverns are filled with coins and other tokens thrown in by visitors and hopeful wishers. But in regards to the phenomenon of the wishing well, there are undoubtedly age old customs that correlate to the tradition of wishing over sacred water. Many ancient practices spanned more than one culture, varying according to the practicing people. In fact, when and where this practice began is somewhat unclear.Īs with many traditions that predate recorded history, pinning down one particular event or origin related to the wishing well is difficult. While this practice is common knowledge, the origin of the tradition is not. Some towns even host a fountain in the town square or epicenter in which passersby drop coins in hopes that their desires will be fulfilled. Midas realized that he was truly happy before with what he already had.The modern Western world is familiar with the concept of wishing wells, or bodies of water in which currency, most commonly in the form of coin, is tossed with the intention of making a wish. When he left the water his power was gone and his daughter had come back to life. Dionysus obliged and told Midas that he needed to go to the River Pactolus to wash away all of the gold on his entire body. Midas set out on a journey back to find Dionysus and to ask that he be freed of his wish. She suddenly turned into a gold statue! This was enough to make Midas realize how foolish his wish was. Midas’ young daughter ran over to comfort him since he was so upset and gave him a big hug. Clearly this was something that Kind Midas didn’t think of when he made his wish! He even broke a tooth by biting into the gold. He reached for a piece of meat and it suddenly turned to gold! The same thing happened when he tried to eat the soup and bread. King Midas couldn’t wait to get his hands on it and enjoy the feast. His servants set up long tables filled with the most delicious looking food you could ever imagine. He wanted to have the best food to serve to everyone, after all- he could now afford anything that he could ever want! He asked his servants to provide the best meats, fruits, breads, pies, and more. Once he got back to his palace he decided to throw a huge party to celebrate. He couldn’t wait to share this news with everyone. Everything turned to gold! He was beyond ecstatic that he now had the golden touch and would be the richest man in the world. He picked up twigs, stones, leaves, flowers, acorns, and other debris that he found on his path. Midas headed home and on his walk began testing out his newfound powers. Of course Midas was sure! So, Dionysus granted the wish. He was obviously aware of the troubles that it could cause, so he asked Midas if he was sure. “I wish that everything I touch turns to gold!”ĭionysus expressed hesitation in granting this wish. Midas didn’t even have to think about what his wish would be. Dionysus wanted to thank Midas for his kindness in returning Silenus and granted him one wish. Midas recognized him as the god Dionysus’ tutor so he took care of Silenus and took him back home into the woods to Dionysus. Silenus, a satyr (half man, half goat) was found wandering in Midas’ rose garden. One day, he was presented with an unexpected opportunity that would change his life.
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