Love padlocks on the chains at the river Mersey promenade, Pier Head, Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, UK, L3 4AF
Image details
Contributor:
Tony Smith / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
2NYNE3DFile size:
53.8 MB (2.9 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
3648 x 5152 px | 30.9 x 43.6 cm | 12.2 x 17.2 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
16 January 2023Location:
Graving dry dock, Albert Dock, Pier Head, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, UK, L3 4AFMore information:
A love lock or love padlock is a padlock that significant other pairs lock to a bridge, fence, gate, monument, or similar public fixture to symbolize their love. Typically the sweethearts' names or initials, and perhaps the date, are inscribed on the padlock, and its key is thrown away (often into a nearby river) to symbolize unbreakable love. Since the 2000s, love locks have proliferated at an increasing number of locations worldwide. They are treated by some municipal authorities as litter or vandalism, and there is some cost to their removal. However, there are other authorities who embrace them, and who use them as fundraising projects or tourist attractions. Love locks are a symbol of everlasting love, a sign of an unbreakable bond and a beautifully significant moment you can share with someone. The love locks of Liverpool are used by people from all over the world to show their unbreakable love. These locks can be found along the River Mersey, decorating chains along the river with symbols of love. Many of them have been inscribed with messages and as you walk along, you notice beautiful and intricate padlock designs along with the different dates such as when couples met, were engaged and married. The actual tradition is believed to have started over 100 years ago during the first world war. Women would write the names of their loved ones on a padlock in the hope it would protect them whilst they were away fighting. The symbols of love have actually developed from heart rendering moments of not knowing if you would ever see your loved one again.