Throughout history, keys have been used to symbolize man`s ability to gain access to those things of either a material or spiritual nature which are of the greatest significance to him.
An ancient key tradition that still survives stems from the practice of emperors, kings, princes and persons in positions of august authority presenting elaborately designed "chamberlain keys" to officials as symbols of their appointment to high office. Today, this is manifested in the presentation of a "key to the city" to visiting dignitaries.
The key denotes liberation, knowledge, the mysteries, initiation. In Christianity the key is the emblem of St. Peter as guardian of the gate of heaven; it is also an attribute of the Pope. In Japanese mythology the three keys of the granary are love, wealth and happiness.
I have had a fascination with keys for a long time. I can remember, as a child digging in the garden to find lost or discarded keys. The older and rustier the better.
I now have a collection of keys and locks, from old padlocks, giant wooden doorway locks, metal door locks, exquisite tiny keys used for fob watches, old clock keys, huge door keys and others which I have not yet identified. I have been experimenting with casting a few of these.
Superstition
The key is also known as a belief for curing nosebleeds. Dropping a key was also known as a sign of bad luck, or at least a removal., as indicated by Thomas Hardy:
'I hope nothing is wrong about mistress,' said Maryann...'but an unlucky token came to me indoors this morning. I went to unlock the door and dropped the key, and it fell upon the stone floorand broke into two pieces. Breaking a key is a dreadful bodement. I wish mis'ess was home'Hardy, Far from the Madding Crowd (1874)
Keys could also bring protection
If a newly-born infant cries, three keys should be placed in the bottom of the cradle.
