A small Hungarian town has found an unmistakable way to commemorate one of the country’s darkest historical tragedies – by unveiling a winged penis sculpture.
The unusual wooden monument was unveiled in Devecser, western Hungary, on 20 August as part of the town’s national holiday celebrations. It was installed in the town’s Memorial Park in remembrance of the Battle of Mohács, the devastating 1526 defeat that marked a turning point in Hungarian history.
At first glance, the sculpture might look like an unconventional historical monument. A closer look, however, leaves little doubt about what it depicts.
A very unusual historical symbol
The sculpture portrays a winged male sexual organ, a symbol that may have a surprisingly long history. According to 444.hu, winged phalluses were popular amulets in ancient Rome. Such bronze objects were believed to protect their owners against illness, the evil eye and curses.
That historical association may offer at least one explanation for the choice of symbol in Devecser – particularly given the town’s decision to dedicate the monument to the catastrophic defeat at Mohács.
The Battle of Mohács took place in 1526, when the Hungarian army suffered a devastating defeat against the Ottoman forces. King Louis II was killed and much of the Hungarian nobility and military leadership was wiped out in the battle.
Your story. Your perspective. Our readers. Write for Daily News Hungary!
Local officials behind the unusual monument
The idea for the sculpture and the drawings used to create it reportedly came from Hajnalka Nyárs, deputy mayor of Devecser. The wooden carving itself was made by Róbert Kardos, mayor of the nearby village of Bodorfa.
The monument was formally blessed during Devecser’s 20 August celebrations, marking Hungary’s national holiday. During the ceremony, Nyárs thanked those who work for the local community, including teachers, healthcare workers, people serving the public and those who work quietly behind the scenes. She also highlighted the importance of families, saying that the family is the foundation of every community.
From ancient amulet to modern monument
While the sculpture is certainly an unusual way to commemorate the Battle of Mohács, its creators may have drawn on the ancient belief that winged phallic symbols could ward off misfortune and evil. Whatever the original intention, the monument has already attracted considerable attention online, and is unlikely to be confused with a conventional historical memorial anytime soon.
If you missed it: Hungary’s PM Magyar reveals what moved him to tears on 20 August
