|
The practice of bestowing a ceremonial "key to the city" dates back to medieval times. Feudal lords protected their cities with high walls and imposing gates. All manner of legal papers and customs taxes were required to enter and exit. A "key to the city" gave an important diplomat or merchant the authority to pass at will. A similar ceremonial honor, "freedom of the city," also dates back from the days of knights and jousts. Freemen were distinguished from vassals, who were legally owned by feudal lords. Ah, the bad old days. Today, cities give their keys to
esteemed visitors, prominent locals, and worthy organizations. Last year New York City awarded a key to a taxi driver who graciously returned a bag containing tens of thousands of dollars in pearls. Yahoo! searches on "key to the city" also returned a widely panned 1950 Clark Gable vehicle, and a stunner from the Detroit News. As it turns out, in 1980 Saddam Hussein (then America's Cold War ally) was given the key to the city of Detroit. Ah, the bad old days.
|
