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LOCKS FOR LUCK IN LOVE.



I heard about 'locks for luck' years ago when i was working on story on how traditional doctors treat mental health diseases. I visited the shrine of one of the doctors in Tubah sub division.

There was a long queue of patients waiting to see the “doctor” for different conditions.Among them were women 'searching for the fruit of the womb', typhoid patients waiting with empty gallons in which they would buy their concoctions, people seeking luck in love waiting with their locks in hand.

A small store at the entrance of doctor’s compound, rented kitchen stools. The queue was often long so patients rented chairs to sit on while waiting.The store also sold empty water bottles and of course locks!

I was told that , the tradi 'doctor' blessed the locks and made incantations aligned to the desire of the client. He locked it & threw the key away to make the desired results permanent.The clients returned home with lock.Lovers locked their desire for "forever after" at the shrine with a padlock. Sometimes it was people seeking charms to secure the love of a lover or one they admired.

I am unsure of it's origins, but love locks are common the world over.
Many cities have these locks hanging on some bridges.


One of such is The Eisener Steg bridge in Frankfurt . Here, couples cross the bridge, put a padlock on a section of the chain link fence. The lock represents their love - they throw the keys away.

The beautiful city & river views blend well with the many lovers being affectionate, placing locks and taking selfies .


Anyway - of locks & luck, I think whether it is in a shrine in Tubah or bridge in Paris or Frankfurt, many people are just seeking love that is steady & sure.

Story by Comfort Mussa. Curled from: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0AH1ugAZXfp5Rd3GHpcoUfbWhEurNbdEwHDuDmNzD6kACJP3Tne4B7WNrFjS9UFVgl&id=503489143

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