Why Do So Many People Want to Touch the Wall Street Bull’s Balls?

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Wall Street NY, if you’ve ever strolled through Lower Manhattan, you’ve probably seen a crowd gathered around the famous Charging Bull statue. But here’s the real question—why is everyone so obsessed with rubbing its bronze testicles?

A Bullish Beginning: How the Statue Got Here

Back in 1989, Italian artist Arturo Di Modica secretly dropped the 7,000-pound bronze bull outside the New York Stock Exchange—completely unannounced and unauthorized. It was his personal gift to the city, meant to symbolize prosperity and financial strength after the 1987 stock market crash.

The NYPD wasn’t exactly thrilled and impounded the statue, but after public outcry, the “Charging Bull” found a new home on Broadway & Morris Street, where it became one of NYC’s most beloved landmarks—right up there with the Statue of Liberty.

So, Why Do People Keep Touching Its Balls? 🤨

Tourists can’t resist snapping a pic with the bull—and more importantly, giving its shiny bronze testicles a solid rub. But why? Here are a few theories:

🐂 Luck & Prosperity: In many cultures, touching statues is believed to bring good luck. Since the bull represents financial success, giving it a rub is like manifesting that stock market magic.

📸 The Ultimate Wall Street Souvenir: Forget a Wall Street T-shirt—who wouldn’t want a photo with the world’s most famous bull’s balls?

🤣 Because… Why Not? It’s big. It’s bronze. It’s right there. When in NYC, do as the tourists do!

Want to Get the Full Story?

The best way to experience the legend of the Charging Bull (and yes, touch its balls if you’re so inclined) is by taking a Wall Street Walking Tour!

👉 Book the Wall Street Walking Tour: Facebook.com/unofficialwallstreet

👉 Join the “Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds” Tour: 📧 onlyonesmallvice@gmail.com