How This Tree Links Temple Terrace, Paris and Worldwide Trend

On two of the bridges crossing the Seine in Paris, couples attach locks to fences.

The symbol juxtaposes a seemingly tough image—a padlock—with a romantic notion—love.

“The love padlock idea is something that is happening all around the world,” said Rani Chehal, owner of Felicitous Independent Coffee House. “If you Google ‘love padlocks’ in Images, you will see places such as Brooklyn, Paris, London, China, etc. doing the same thing on bridges or other structures.”

Add Temple Terrace to that list.

Since Valentine’s Day, Felicitous has been inviting customers to attach locks to a tree in its back courtyard.

“We just wanted to create a place in Tampa for the tradition also, but we encourage everyone to either attach a lock with a significant other, friend or family member or even for themselves,” Chehal said. “It can be a symbol of a promise, ambition or even a memory.”

The locks can be painted, etched or just written on with permanent markers, she said.

Customers who attach locks to the tree can drop the keys off inside the store to seal the promise.

“And we also give a little cute memento for doing so,” Chehal said.

“Patrons are welcome anytime to come by, reflect and enjoy the ‘love padlock tree.’”

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