February 7: Pinocchio Released
On 7 February 1940, the American animated movie Pinocchio, by Walt Disney, was released for public viewing.
This film featured a wooden puppet named Pinocchio who was carved by a poor wood-carver named Geppetto. After completion of the carving, Gepetto wishes upon a star for his little wooden puppet to be a real boy. Later, a magical blue fairy brings the puppet to life and tells him if he proves himself, he will be turned into a real boy. After a long journey, Pinocchio eventually is transformed.
The Greek myth of Pygmalion and Galatea is similar to the storyline of Pinocchio. Pygmalion was a sculptor who hated women. He was so displeased by women that he vowed never to marry. Upon crafting a womanly sculpture, which he named Galatea, he fell in love. He was simply enchanted by the lifeless figure and found it difficult to take his eyes off of his perfect creation. He gave the sculpture many gifts and cherished it dearly, wishing every day she would come to life.
When the celebration of Aphrodite (the goddess of love, fertility, and beauty) came around, he prayed whole-heartedly that she would turn his beloved Galatea into a woman who would return the love he felt for her. Aphrodite granted his wish and as he felt the sculpture, she gradually became warmer. He kissed her lips and they felt soft on his. A few days after, they wed and lived happily ever after with a son and a daughter.
–Mikhala Ruonavaara
Photo Caption: Jean-Léon Gérôme’s Pygmalion and Galatea.
Meet the Author: Mikhala Ruonavaara
I am a freshman attending Schoolcraft College. I hope to transfer to Michigan Technological University after two years to study Biomedical Engineering. My hobbies include running, yoga, music, and baking.
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