Have you ever wondered why we toss coins down into wells and make wishes? Why do we see magical wishing wells in movies? As a maker of decorative wishing wells, we find them to be pretty special. They make beautiful additions to yards, adding character and whimsicality to your home. But where did they get this character and whimsicality from?

In ancient Europe, wishing wells were seen as sacred miracles. Water is essential for life, and approximately 3% of the water on Earth is fresh. So finding a freshwater source truly was a miracle!

As a thank you for the water source, coins would be dropped down. This was practiced by peoples such as the ancient Romans, Germans, Celts, and Norse. The wishing came after the practice of tossing coins, as ancient peoples invented a folktale that small spirits lived within the wells to keep the water clean. If you told them your wishes or troubles, the spirits would have pity and grant you your wish. If you tossed a coin in, you increased the likelihood of your wish coming true. 

You may also be familiar with the Trevi fountain in Rome. While it is much grander than any other wishing well or fountain you may come across, it is still used for the nostalgic act of making wishes. Thousands of tourists flock to the 18th-century fountain to throw a coin over their left shoulders after making a wish. Some wish for an Italian romance or world peace, while others wish for happiness in the form of authentic Italian gelato. 

Wishing wells have made their way through generations, appearing in books, movies, and our own backyards. Even though we know it is wishful thinking (get it?) to think that our penny down a well will make our dreams come true, it is still fun to toss in a coin and do a bit of dreaming. These outdoor structures bring back a sense of innocence and wonder that we may not have felt for a while in our adult lives. It is nice to remember being a child and making an innocent wish on a well for a few seconds. 



To bring that nostalgic feeling into your life every day, browse through Beaver Dam’s collection of wishing wells for sale. Our wells don’t travel into the Earth to find water sources, but they do make fun decorations in yards and gardens. Our wells come in a variety of sizes, materials, and colors for you to choose from, ensuring you find a well that fits your home and personality. Stand out from the crowd with a bright pink well, or go the traditional route with a stone well.

Head to our ‘wishing wells’ tab today to find a structure that speaks to your inner child.