This is the key

Many cities around the world bestow a ceremonial “Key to the City” upon honored guests, usually at a press-friendly event with an actual prop key.

This practice dates back to medieval times, when frequent warring prompted local kings and lords to construct walls around their cities.

Fearing trouble, local authorities would insist visiting soldiers camp outside of town rather than stay at inns inside the walls.

“Freedom of the City” was granted to soldiers who had gained a measure of local trust.

The actual presentation of a key emerged in the 19th Century, a very symbolic gesture that the recipient is a trusted friend of residents, and may come and go as he pleases.

Some of the more interesting recipients of U.S. city keys? There’s Saddam Hussein, who received the Key to the City of Detroit in 1980. There’s also God, who was given the Key to the City of Stockton, CA, in 2015 – seems like He would have a big ring of them.

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