Vix Dubs

PRAGUE—Walking across the Charles Bridge, my friend Beth and I stopped to lean over the side and noticed padlocks affixed to the iron beams supporting one of the sculpture installations. We thought it odd and I snapped a photo (like I do) before we resumed our journey.

We knew something was up in Mala Strana, after finding the Lennon Wall and a nearby canal. A fence was completely covered with locks, some bare, some with etchings or messages in marker.

According to the convention, these padlocks are symbols of love. When you’ve found your true love, you write or carve both of your names onto a padlock, affix it, and then throw the key into the water.

We’ll see how many of the padlocks outlast the romances, but I’m certainly in favor of spontaneous collaborative art installations. Well played, lovers.