Is that a baguette in your pocket?

According to a BBC article (with photo), a Paris cemetery "has fenced off a famous tomb to prevent lewd acts being performed on a statue."

The effigy of 19th Century journalist known as Victor Noir has long been popular with women visitors.

This is partly due to his reputation as a romantic figure, and partly because of the effigy's design.

Officials concerned about damage to the icon's groin area have erected a fence around the grave, and a sign prohibiting indecent rubbing.

"Indecent rubbing of a statue?" you ask. "Are you kidding? And, hey, what's that wet spot doing on the statue's pants?" Well, I'm not going to explain the facts of life here, kids. Except that the article notes:

The statue shows Noir in a frock coat and trousers lying flat on his back, with a distinct enlargement in the groin.

The effigy has been held as an aid to love or fertility.

Tradition has it that "a woman who kisses the lips of the prostrate statue and slips a flower into the upturned top hat will find a husband by the end of the year." Apparently, there's no need to rub the groin.

And there's a new sign, just in case you forget: "Any damage caused by graffiti or indecent rubbing will be prosecuted." Just make sure you rub it decently.

(Via Drudge)