Love Locks

Love Locks have become a symbol of love and commitment so, as we approach Valentines Day, we look at how the custom of attaching a padlock and throwing away the key has become a symbol of everlasting love.

The tradition seems to have originated in China, when lovers would attach a padlock to a chain or gate and throw away the key – meaning that they would be bound together in love forever.

A Serbian tale dating from World War 1 tell us of a school mistress, Nada, who fell in love with a Serbian officer, Relja. Relja betrayed their commitment when he fell in love with a woman from Corfu. They broke of their engagement and the Serbian woman, apparently, died from a broken heart. To protect their love, young Serbians would inscribe their names on padlocks and fix them to railings on The Bridge of Love where Nada and Relja used to meet.

More recently Love locks have started to appear in many European locations but some cities view this as an act of vandalism. Local authorities have removed the locks for fear of damage to landmarks and tourist attractions, as was the case at Pont des Art in Paris on 1 June 2015 (dubbed the day love died) when an estimated 1 million padlocks weighing 45 tons were removed. It has since become illegal to attach any locks as the bridge is not able to support the additional weight but, despite concerns of damage to landmark sites, many have expressed disappointment at losing the sentimental tokens of love.

But, for all you romantics out there, from Moscow to New York you will still find a bridge, fence or even a man made metal tree where you can immortalise your love with a Lovers Lock! Happy Valentines Day…