Trees of love: Luzhkov bridge, Moscow, Russia

While walking around the Kremlin in Moscow, I came across these metal trees laden with locks. It was quite intriguing and unexpected!

Apparently, there is a modern tradition in Russia (and Europe?) for lovers to write their names on locks and lock the locks in a public place (trees, bridges, etc.); thus celebrating their love and commitment to each other. The key is tossed into the Moskva river… may the lovers never separate.

In India, I have seen people tying little strings on trees. Personally, I find such gestures cute and romantic but irrational and idealistic. But hey, it has lot of symbolism for sure and I would do it too! I wonder if the city government ever cuts these locks off… and then what happens?…. cheating? adultery? divorces? 😉