During a tour of Prague, we stopped on Charles Bridge at a small cross surrounded by five stars. Our guide told us about a tradition connected to St. John of Nepomuk. Of course, once we heard it involved making a wish, we all had to try it!
The tradition is called "Making a wish at the St. John of Nepomuk Cross," a pretty straightforward title. Visitors place their fingers on the five stars around the cross and silently make a wish. Nearby, people also touch parts of the St. John of Nepomuk statue for good luck. So many people have done this over the years that some of the bronze has become noticeably shiny. I made a wish, too, but I obviously can’t tell you what it was!
The tradition comes from the story of St. John of Nepomuk, a Czech saint who was thrown from Charles Bridge into the Vltava River in 1393. Legend says five stars appeared above the water afterward, which is why the stars became one of his symbols. Today, both locals and visitors continue the tradition as they cross the bridge.
