One origin theory is that the statue was erected as a warning to the Jewish community of Bern, Switzerland. During the Middle Ages, there were many rumors that jews engaged in the ritualistic murder, blood letting, and torture of children. Human sacrifice and cannibalism of Christian children were seen a threat to Christian communities, same as today. The Kindlifresser (child eater) represents a jewish man eating children. The statue wears a yellow pointed Judenhut. A hat that jews were forced to wear at that time.