The craze of love locks is a recent one. It may be (as is often claimed) an ‘ancient tradition’ but tourists fastening them to bridges in different destinations is definitely a new one. And, in my eyes, now that it is so widespread, not a good one. It is destroying historical bridges. Even small bridges have almost 100 metric tons’ worth of locks all over them. A recipe for disaster.
What happened to leaving only your footprints behind when visiting beautiful spots? How many of the couples are still together? Why leave something behind that could damage something in a country that is not your own? It seems so inconsiderate!
There is even a site which makes a living by selling love locks. One thing I do like on this site is the small metal trees you can buy for your wedding where guests fasten a lock upon which they have engraved a special message for the happy couple. Would be nice to have one on each table at the reception. Though probably you would not want them in your home on your mantlepiece for the rest of your life. Something to think about…
