ST. GEORGE – Local artist Randy Paul, along with wedding planner Debbie Peysar and her sister Vickie Shepherd, have seen an ancient Chinese custom grow rapidly throughout the world and brought it to the U.S.
Nearly every metal chain-link fence or metal pole in Mount Huang, China, has been adorned with padlocks where it is customary to "lock your souls" together and then throw the key over the edge of the cliff into the misty valleys below. The love-locking tradition is also alive in Italy with lovers affixing locks to the Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Milvio bridges and throwing the keys into the Arno and Tiber rivers.
Lovelocks desired for people to experience that phenomenon as many other people do around the world. Lovelocks are double heart shaped padlocks that lock one time only and do not have a key. Locks can be purchased at local retail stores or online at www.lovelocksonline.com.
"With Randy's background in theme art, we knew he was up to the challenge of creating a beautiful gate for locks to be attached and displayed," said Peysar "We decided to call it a "Lovescape" and put it in his front yard on Main Street in St. George."
The custom has only begun to have attention here in the U.S.
"I wanted to provide a place for people to lock their love," said Paul, creator of the Lovelocks gate "This is a natural way to show their devotion to each other. Locking your love is a simple yet powerful expression of love."
On Friday, September 10, over 100 people will gather at the new "Lovescape" for an official unveiling and to lock their love at 7 p.m. This will take place at 223 South Main Street in St. George.
"There are many reasons for people to lock their love: there are milestones to celebrate in one's life, memorials for those who have passed on, or a display of commitment in any type of relationship one has in their life," Peysar said. "Each love lock placed on a "Lovescape" represents love and respect to another person, from place to place, person to person, creating an artistic and unique destination."