Kudzu forms image of Jesus

RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 19 (UPI) -- An image of Jesus, or what could be Jesus, has been spotted in a kudzu vine growing on a utility pole next to railroad tracks in Raleigh, N.C.

The resemblance was first spotted by customers of the Boylan Bridge Brewpub, The (Raleigh) News & Observer reported Wednesday. They pointed it out to John Morris, who runs the Web site Goodnightraleigh.com.

Morris said he has a special interest in pareidolia, or finding meaning in random events, like the way a kudzu vine grows.

The kudzu Christ is about 30 feet tall with arms outstretched along the wires and a head seemingly bowed. The rear view resembles the 100-foot statue of Jesus looking down on Rio de Janeiro.

So far, the figure has attracted more jokes than worship in Raleigh, the state capital and a university town.

"Poor Jesus," one poster said on newraleigh.com. "Guy hasn't had a

decent night's sleep in 2,000 years, and now he's got to pull a double

shift at the edge of a scrub lot. No respect."