Monkey of the Grand Guard
In the town where I live, there is a small monkey, a lucky charm hanging on the facade of the Town Hall. You have to caress the head with your left hand.
The Monkey of the Grand Guard, a lucky charm, is so much cherished by the Montois but also by tourists from all over the world that his skull is polished up to skating.
Mysterious origins
Three hypotheses confront each other:
The masterpiece of a blacksmith wanting to gain mastery in his profession (the monkey is an animal in vogue during the Middle Ages),
A tavern that was in the cellars of the Town Hall. This "tavern" was suppressed in 1897,
A pillory for "turbulent" children.
This "smart" little monkey is also seen as the symbol of the Montois mind, free and mocker.
Lucky charm since 1930
Do not repeat it to anyone! But the legend of the Lucky Monkey (if it is caressed only with the left hand) was invented by Paul Heupgen (1868-1949), who undeniably had a sense of marketing ... before the letter. He wrote: "Truly, no one knows where he comes from or why he is there: there are many hypotheses, but there is no certainty, no certainty except this: whoever caresses him, is assured of happiness at least for a year ".
They caressed him!
• Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan, accompanied by King Albert II and Queen Paola (September 10, 1993)
• Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde of Belgium, on the occasion of their Happy Entry in Hainaut (February 9, 2000)
• King Juan Carlos and Queen Sophia of Spain, accompanied by Queen Paola (May 17, 2000)
• Ambassadors, ministers, artists, sportsmen ... passing through Mons
How old is he?
The Monkey certainly existed in 1843 and certainly well before that year. It can be reasonably estimated that it is on the Town Hall since at least the end of the seventeenth century! Is it there since the realization of the City Hall in the fifteenth century? Perhaps! Was it placed on the façade during any restoration of the building? Perhaps! Unless the opening of the tavern located in the cellar marks its origin? Perhaps!
It is said that a young woman wishing to marry sees her wish fulfilled in the year if she caresses her head. It is also said that for a young couple who caresses his head, it is the assurance of a happy event in the year.
If you come to visit me once in Mons, do not forget to go and caress the little monkey's head, it will bring you happiness 🤗
