I have already blogged about this subject (http://wp.me/punIp-87) on August 5 last year, but on February 14, how appropriate, it was official. The Lock of Love, a special place for lovers, was  opened on Valentine’s Day in Rotterdam. I wrote last year “I can not seem to figure out if this piece of art is shoddy or not …”, now I have visited the artwork at the Havenstraat (near the Lage Erfbrug) in Delfshaven,  I must admit that it looks very nice.

For those who do not know the concept: There is a tradition going on all over the world, a ritual, to seal your love together in a special way. People in love hang a padlock on bridges, fences and lampposts and throw the key into the water. The legend says that as long as the lock is not removed or opened, they will remain happy together.

Names and dates are engraved on the locks and they are decorated with ribbons, stickers, beads etc …. There are similar places in Italy, Hungary, Korea, Latvia, Russia, China and America. In Nevada, people marry at the spot where they hang the lock. Newly weds in Hungary hang their locks on their wedding day. What will be the tradition in the Netherlands?

The design ensures a long and beautiful tradition. Actually, the giant heart is nothing but a big chair, where you and your loved one can have a sit. Next to the seat is a little table or column. Just big enough for two rings …  Like the object itself, this is romantic red and of course also in the form of a heart! The view over the water with the Euromast in the distance makes the site a wonderful place for a wedding ceremony.

But let’s not get carried away! Even love birds that do not immediately want to get married and don’t bring a photographer with them can perpetuate themselves at the monument. I inquired at initiator Renata Rakolcai of Magic Happens (www.magichappens.nl) what the use for the column is. She told me that the column is intended to rest your camera and use the timer to make a photo of yourself and your loved one. (a sign with instructions will be posted shortly) I think this is a brilliant idea – a combination of art and practical ingenuity that in my view may be applied more often! Well done!