Today on Monday mysteries we ponder the unusual decoration on the side of a building a few streets away from where we live.  Quite simple, there is a mirror and comb on the outside wall on the side of building here in Tübingen.

I can’t say for sure that it’s the only mirror and comb set on the outside of a building in Tübingen, but it’s certainly the only one I have seen in Tübingen. Or anywhere, in fact. I actually tried looking on the Internet to see if this was some tradition — i.e. in the Middle Ages or something. However, I didn’t find anything about an outdoor mirror and comb. The building currently doesn’t have any shop in it, so I could speculate that perhaps this was a barbershop in the old days. But then, I’m not sure that would make that much sense, actually, since the barbershop would have had a mirror and comb(s) inside the shop, right?

Now, the building is across the street from a Catholic Church; in fact, it’s that church with the chicken-that-isn’t-really-there. So maybe the mirror and comb were to allow people travelling from a great distance to tidy themselves up before heading into church?

But again, that’s pure speculation on my part; just trying to find a logical explanation for something that seems illogical.

Or, another theory I came up with a couple of weeks ago involves the popularity of a character named Kookie, on the old 1950s American TV show 77 Sunset Strip;  Kookie, a “greaser”,  was noted for constantly combing his hair. This characteristic led to a popular song, Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb.

So the comb on the wall must have been for when Kookie wasn’t around in the 1950s — and then nobody has bothered to take it down.

OK, I know. It’s a silly theory. But if you doubt it, just look behind you and try to find that chicken on the church. I’m just saying. After all, stranger legends have arisen here in Tübingen. 😉