In many countries people believe that it brings good luck, if one touches
a button on the uniform of a chimney sweep. In Klaipeda, Lithuania they made a bronze
relief of such a button plus the statue of a chimney sweep on the roof. The
bronze button on the wall is surrounded by many regular buttons that have
been attached to the wall. The button also bears the text "Laimes Saga",
which translates to "The Saga of Happiness", the name "K.
Püdymas" (most
likely Klaudijus Püdymas)
and the Coat of Arms of the city of Klaipeda. It is said, that
rubbing that bronze button brings good luck too.
The statue of the chimney sweep sits on the roof with his legs stretched out and wears a tall top hat and very elegant clothing. He carries a ladder and a chimney broom.
Translated from
www.uostas.info:
"'Chimney Sweeper' and 'The Saga of
Happiness'
A bronze 'chimney sweeper' sculpture has been installed on the roof
of the 'Zvejai' bar. In order to revive the old legend of chimney sweeps, to
bring more happiness and attractiveness to the old town of Klaipeda, to warm
its spirit and entertain people, the symbol of the old town - 'chimney
sweepers' - was placed next to the sailing ship 'Meridianas'.
Touching the button attached to the wall of the building is believed
to bring good luck to us all. Chimney sweeps have always been companions of
old cities, but this profession almost disappeared with the transition to
central heating. Few people remember that if you met a sooty black chimney
sweep on the street, you had to touch his clothes or grab a button
(preferably black) and whisper a wish: chimney sweeps bring good luck. The
sculpture was donated to the city by the company 'Pamario restauratorius'.
The sculpture is 2.4 meters tall and weighs approximately 300 kg."
Also see:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimney_sweep