The Donkey Fountain (Eselsbrunnen) on the Old Market (Alter Markt) in Halle (Saale) dates back to 1913. Its motiv – a man with a donkey walks over a rug of roses – refers to an old but fun legend. [German]
The story of the donkey fountain
This legend dates back to the time of Emperor Otto I. When he was on the way to visit Halle, the entrance road had been covered with roses. Because of the high water on the Saale, the emperor changed his route. Instead of him, an unsuspecting worker with his donkey entered the festively decorated street.
But back to the present and reality: We should decorate our fountains with flowers more often!