Why Can’t I Throw Away These Keys?

Am I the only one that has a bunch of keys laying around, most of which I know don’t open anything anymore?   I don’t know what it is about keys, but I have a hard time just tossing them out.  Sure, I could recycle them or create some kind of art piece. But instead, I just keep adding to the bag in the junk drawer in the kitchen.

I started wondering if there wasn’t some sort of symbolism or superstition associated with this need to hang on to keys.  Of course, thanks to Google, I found a few interesting answers.

Keys hold incredible significance in our lives.  There is the key to success, the keys to our heart, the key to your first apartment or the key to your first car. Symbolically, keys can mean new milestones or monumental achievements.

Some say that holding on to keys represents a sense of freedom – the freedom to do whatever you want to do, go wherever you want to go.

Keys can represent a type of stewardship and trust. The person that holds the key may not necessarily be the person with the highest authority but is the trusted one, the one that has demonstrated loyalty.

Wearing or bringing a key is thought to symbolize an opportunity to reach new heights of success. Some may wear a key charm on a job interview or other big career moment, for example.

But as traditional keys are being replaced with remote-controlled locks and touchless entry, it is not likely that the symbolism of the key will ever be replaced.

Here’s to unlocking endless possibilities.