This fountain, known in Germany as Fischbrunnen, is found in Marienplatz of Munich, Germany and is a 1954 replica of a fountain that has been here since the 1300's until it was destroyed in 1944. It is located right next to the famous Glockenspeil and is Munich’s oldest and most famous fountain. Unfortunately the original artist of this fountain is unknown. However, the fountain’s reconstruction was done by a man named “Henselman” who added reliefs and sculpture of the fish at the top of the fountain.
The Fish Fountain spews water from its sides and has a great sculpture of a puffer fish on the very top of the central plinth. Sculptures of ragged boys surround the middle. Each boy holds a pail that spouts water elegantly. Reliefs decorate the outside base of the fountain with sheep pictures, probably to represent the butch initiation that was once held here.
This fountain gets its name from the Fish Market that used to be held here where fishmongers would keep their fish fresh in the fountain. Additionally, the fountain served as the site of an initiation ceremony called the Metzgersprunch or the Butcher’s Leap. This ceremony started in 1900 and still continues to take place today in a slightly different fashion. The ceremony initiated young aspiring butchers. There are many versions of how the ceremony specifically took place, but the common factor is that in order to become a legitimate butcher, the apprentice had to jump into the fountain wearing some sort of sheepskin. Today the Fish Fountain is an important spot during Ash Wednesday when the Lord mayor washes his purse in the fountain’s cold water which symbolizes filling of the city’s coffers for the coming year."
Works Cited:
Fish Fountain in Marienplatz Munich Tourist AttractionNelmitravel." Nelmitravel. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2014.
"Fish Fountain - Munich, Germany - Fountains on Waymarking.com." Fish Fountain - Munich, Germany - Fountains on Waymarking.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2014.
The Fish Fountain spews water from its sides and has a great sculpture of a puffer fish on the very top of the central plinth. Sculptures of ragged boys surround the middle. Each boy holds a pail that spouts water elegantly. Reliefs decorate the outside base of the fountain with sheep pictures, probably to represent the butch initiation that was once held here.
This fountain gets its name from the Fish Market that used to be held here where fishmongers would keep their fish fresh in the fountain. Additionally, the fountain served as the site of an initiation ceremony called the Metzgersprunch or the Butcher’s Leap. This ceremony started in 1900 and still continues to take place today in a slightly different fashion. The ceremony initiated young aspiring butchers. There are many versions of how the ceremony specifically took place, but the common factor is that in order to become a legitimate butcher, the apprentice had to jump into the fountain wearing some sort of sheepskin. Today the Fish Fountain is an important spot during Ash Wednesday when the Lord mayor washes his purse in the fountain’s cold water which symbolizes filling of the city’s coffers for the coming year."
Works Cited:
Fish Fountain in Marienplatz Munich Tourist AttractionNelmitravel." Nelmitravel. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2014.
"Fish Fountain - Munich, Germany - Fountains on Waymarking.com." Fish Fountain - Munich, Germany - Fountains on Waymarking.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2014.