Yesterday, we woke up in Oslo to the celebration of our fifteenth wedding anniversary. How fitting that we are in some interesting place, learning new things about people and history and foods…and traditions. Strolling across a bridge in Frogner Park, we chanced upon these padlocks, wondering what their story is about. In New Zealand, rural fence lines are decorated with bras, something like how we see cowboy boots on barbed wire fences in the U.S. But, as we learned, the locking of the padlocks are globally, not nationally or regionally, steeped in tradition. While we could see initials and dates and hearts, we did not then know of the Love Locked Forever symbolism. The names or initials of sweethearts, and often the date, are inscribed on the padlock, and the key is tossed into the river to symbolize unbreakable love. A blessing of our partnership and shared travels has been that we often stumble into marvels. We are not carrying padlocks in our tucker bag, but we carry the sentiment forthwith.
For anyone concerned, I did remember our anniversary, although far from home! In fact, before departing home we planted our ritual anniversary irises in the flower garden. This expedition to Norway, too, although not a leisure trip, is the closest thing to a holiday we ever have taken together. So, I think we’re doing OK, right, Dr. K?