Ask anyone what the most romantic and gorgeous city on earth is and they will no doubt dreamily reply, "Paris". Paris is deeply rich in the French-Parisian culture, modern and traditional architecture, and a magical beauty that can undoubtedly ensnare the mind. Through it's picturesque landscape and various debuts in romantic cinematic features, it is evident why there are few places more desired to fortify and enrich young and old love than in the City of Lights.
Among the copious number of historic architectural sites located in Paris, is the magnificent Pont Des Arts Bridge. The Pont Des Arts Bridge is one of the most romantic bridges in Paris and has become accustomed to a significantly famous cultural tradition for the lovers of the world. This is a tradition that begins with two people that have found undying love and ends with a tangible object that will forever signify their eternal love on the railings of the Pont Des Arts Bridge. This tradition is known as the "lover's lock."
The tradition of the "lover's lock" bestows the Pont Des Arts Bridge the cultural nickname of the “Love Lock Bridge.” It is often referred to as the "Love Lock Bridge" by tourists of the world because of the romantic immigrated tradition that involves a “love lock”, a key, and a couple that believes in their unyielding everlasting love. The process is simple. A couple would write each of their names onto a paddock lock ("love lock"), lock the paddock onto the bridge, and then, as a tangible act to signify their unfailing love, the couple would throw the paddock key over the bridge and allow the the key sink into the depths of the Seine River so that their love would be eternally locked and never broken. This tradition is done in various cities around the world and has become an extremely popular act to demonstrate a tangible declaration of unyielding love. The Pont Des Arts Bridge has become one of the more distinguished bridges and as of May 2015, it was covered by over a million padlocks fastened by countless optimistic romantics across the globe.
However, this symbol of romance may not be as eternal as the lovers had initially wished. As of June 1st, all locks will be removed from the bridge in order to eliminate the impending structural damage. The works of local artists now temporarily replaces the bridge until a highly resistant lock-proof glass can beinstalled later this year. For many hopeful visitors, and for those that have previously left behind their memorable symbol of love, the removal is causing heartbreak in the loss of the notable foreign tradition.
Nonetheless, the citizens of Paris have voiced approval for the removal of the locks in order to ensure future architectural preservation of the beautiful bridge. The truth is that the locks are scourging the historic landmark causing parts of the railing to break loose due to the intense weight. It is strongly believed by the city that the locks are harming the preservation of the traditional heritage of the landmark. In a beautiful city such as Paris there is no need to add to the already exquisite architecture and the removal of the locks will allow the Pont Des Arts Bridge to return to it's original architectural state.
Although some people may be sad that the locks have been removed, there is still no greater joy than to remember the memories shared by thousands of lovers as they attached their own lock to the bridge. The lock was simply a tangible object that represented an even greater phenomenon- love. The memories of the moment and the love that was shared on the historical bridge is what will be remembered, not the inanimate objects. Whether there will be "love locks" representing a symbol of new and old love or not, Paris will always be the epitome of romance and there is no place more beautiful than the City of Love.
How do YOU feel about the removal of the love locks? Tell us in the comments!
