Love locks are padlocks that couples attach to bridges, fences, and public monuments as a symbol of their love and commitment. After fastening the lock, they often throw the key into a river or nearby water, representing an unbreakable bond.

The tradition is believed to have roots in a Serbian tale from World War I, in which a schoolteacher named Nada and an officer named Relja pledged their love by locking it onto a bridge.  However, the modern popularity of love locks began in Europe during the early 2000s, especially after the publication of the Italian novel I Want You by Federico Moccia, where lovers attached padlocks to a bridge in Rome.

Soon, the practice spread across the world. Famous locations covered in love locks included the Pont des Arts in Paris and the Hohenzollern Bridge.  Today, love locks remain a popular symbol of romance and can be found in cities around the globe, representing the human desire to leave a lasting mark on love.

Love lock heart is Kei Mouth’s symbolic sculpture representing the idea that love is both protected and unlocked through trust.