The Parys suspension bridge dates back to 1919 and features a collection of love locks. The unique tradition captures the essence of love - couples "locking" their love in a symbolic gesture which has many couples travelling to Parys. The Parys love lock tradition invites couples to inscribe their names or initials on a padlock, which they then attach to the bridge overlooking the Vaal River. This romantic gesture signifies an everlasting bond, and some couples believe that by locking their love, they are making a promise to return to Parys to celebrate their union.
Love Locks over the Vaal
Upon the bridge at Parys town,
Where golden rays come drifting down;
The Vaal flows clear beneath the sky,
Where leafy trees and green banks lie.
Among the stones, grey and grand,
River winds through fertile land;
Where lovers meet, and pledges start,
Each lock of love speaks from the heart
With names engraved for all to see,
Or initials joined in harmony.
Each little lock seems to softly say,
“Our love shall last through every day.”
For love is faithful, love is true,
A sacred gift God gives anew.
Love springs from God, forever fair,
A sacred treasure held with prayer.
Love, in truth, comes from above,
For God Himself is perfect Love;
Surely God must smile to see
Two hearts pledge faithful unity.
Beneath the sun they make their vow,
With shining hopes for then and now;
The river hears their pledge of two,
As souls promise to remain true.
Ancient boulders, still and strong,
Have watched the river flow along;
Through the years, beneath the sun,
They witness vows of two made one.
Near this place, the ancient Dome
Recalls a world of ages flown;
A mighty stone from distant space
Once struck the earth with awesome pace.
O'er two billion years have passed away
Since meteorite traveller came that day;
The ancient earth was struck and torn,
From its depths Vredefort Dome was born.
The cosmic blow of mighty power
Shaped the land that very hour;
Though the ages onward run,
Ancient scars remain 'neath Free State sun.
Upon those rocks we stand today,
And wonder at that long gone day;
Stones preserve the story grand,
Of force once unleashed 'pon the land.
Yet greater still, we do recall,
The Love that entered history's hall:
When Christ came down from heav'n above,
He revealed the Father's endless Love.
Though mountains weather, skies do change ,
While time reshapes the earthly range;
Rivers flow, stones grow old,
Yet God's great story still unfolds -
For Love remains when all is gone,
Still shining like the morning sun;
Love has conquered death and pain,
Through God's grace we shall rise again.
May every lock beside the Vaal,
Remind us of true love through all:
To cherish, honour, serve and care,
And keep our promises in prayer.
O Christ, the Sun of God’s own Love,
Shine on us from Thy throne above;
May every earthly love made true,
Find eternal home in You.
Life may fade, and time may go,
The river may cease earthly flow -
But love, when rooted in God’s embrace,
Shall live forever by His grace.
Photographer CN Whittle
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