The popular toy Labubu, a character from the stories of Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, became the protagonist of an unusual video published on social media — a Spanish Catholic priest blessing and washing the toy with holy water.
Blessing and Viral Video
The video, posted by the Hold by hand account, shows the clergyman uttering the traditional words of blessing: “I bless you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” After sprinkling the toy with holy water, the priest adds: “Now you can wear it.”
In the video’s caption, the user ironically noted: “Labubu has entered its holy era.” The video quickly went viral, drawing attention to the toy, which is already immensely popular worldwide.
History of Labubu: From Elf to Idol
Labubu, a fluffy and toothed elf, first appeared in 2015 as a character in Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung‘s story series titled “The Monsters.” The character’s image was inspired by Scandinavian mythology.
Labubu gained true global popularity in 2019 after collaborating with the Pop Mart brand and being sold in “blind box” format. In April 2024, a Labubu keychain was spotted with Lisa from the famous K-pop group Blackpink, further boosting interest in the toy among fans.
Meanwhile, Labubu came under fire from the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. A priest from the St. Nicholas parish in Terebovlia called the toy “demonic” and warned parents about its “demonic essence,” according to the publication “Focus”.
Behind the Pleasant Face Lies a Demonic Essence
The critical message appeared on the parish’s Facebook page, where Father Artur Buchinsky responded to questions from concerned parents. In his opinion, behind the toy’s cute and smiling appearance lies an unkind character — a so-called “trickster” from Chinese and Japanese mythology, who brings “destruction and anarchy.” As proof of his theory, the UGCC representative pointed to Labubu’s “creepy eyes” and “whimsical smile.”
The priest warned parents about three dangerous consequences that could arise from a child’s interaction with the toy: aggressiveness, stimulation of a “dominance instinct”, and an inclination towards “dark aesthetics.”
In conclusion, the priest made a shocking statement, claiming that the Pop Mart brand “doesn’t just create toys – they sell a cult.” He added that by buying Labubu, “parents unknowingly invite the devil into their home.”
How the priest arrived at such strange conclusions is not explained.
