The Story Behind The Paris Love Locks Tradition That Made Its Way To This Fence In Pennsylvania
By Beth Price-Williams|Published July 06, 2023
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
We’ve all either seen, or at least heard of, love locks, padlocks secured to bridges and fences, proclaiming a lifelong love. They’re perhaps most commonly associated with Paris, but love locks have become a beloved tradition around the world. These padlocks, bearing the names of couples, are locked to a bridge and the key is thrown in the river in a gesture of their undying love. Today, anyone who wants to celebrate their love doesn’t need to travel far. Just head over to Hope Fence in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
While no one really knows the origin of love locks, the beloved tradition of celebrating love is said to date back to Serbia during World War I. Young and in love, a soldier went off to fight, leaving his love (and fiancé) behind.
Alas, that love wasn’t meant to be, for he fell in love with another. He ended the engagement; she died of a broken heart. Legend says that, after her death, other women began placing locks – with their name and the name of their love – on bridges as a way to protect their love.
Today, the popular tradition is known worldwide. Many cities, however, have been forced to remove love locks from bridges, often to the dismay of locals. The weight of the love locks has threatened the safety of the bridges.
If you’d like to take part in this cherished tradition, all you have to do is head to Hope Fence in Philadelphia. Native Philadelphians Dan and Sarah Keating gifted the fence to the city, offering a place for people to share their stories - and to place their locks.
While love locks traditionally feature the names or initials of couples, that’s not all they include. Some use them to celebrate loved ones who have passed. Others add locks in honor of their dreams.
Tradition says you lock your padlock on the fence and throw the key in the water. The Hope Fence works a little differently. So as not to pollute the Delaware River, keys should be placed in the fence’s lockbox.
Have you been to Hope Fence, filled with love locks in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania? Share your experience in the comments! For another unique experience, visit Magic Gardens, a one-of-a-kind destination in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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