There's one grave in Père Lachaise that gets a lot of attention - Victor Noir. Shot after a duel with Prince Pierre Bonaparte in 1870, sculptor Jules Dalou created a bronze effigy of him in his final position...with particular attention to his . (Thread)

Noir was a journalist and his death caused a massive outpouring of grief. Being shot by Napoleon's cousin - coupled with those in France who'd had quite enough of the political situation in the country - led to him becoming a revolutionary symbol.

The sculpture was unveiled in 1890, with no particular focus on the size of his manhood but for some reason Dalou decided to give him a sizable package. His monument soon became a fertility symbol where women would rub his privates with the goal of becoming pregnant.

Its curious to see a grave become a totem of desire and affection - whereas the rest of the sculpture has oxidised, his feet and lips have remained polished from the constant signs of affection. I daresay Covid-19 has rather halted all this.

In fact there is some folklore and ritual regarding visiting his grave. If you want to find a lover, kiss Noir's lips; if you want to get pregnant, you should touch his right foot; and if you want to have twins, you should touch his left foot.

Such is the notoriety of the sexual element to the statue that @DitaVonTeese paid a visit back in 2014. Ten years before signs and warnings were placed about interfering with the statue but these were promptly ripped down by ardent admirers.

My question to you, followers of mine - what do you think about tombs that take on a symbolism of their own? Is it disrepectful, or part of a wider form of remembrance and commemoration? Should cemeteries solely be places of silent reflection?