Have you got your Valentine’s Day all locked away yet?

-   Are they love locks or just littering

 ONE of the most polarising expressions of love, especially around Valentine’s Day, is having a padlock, particularly one in a heart shape, engraved with the names of you and your sweetheart and attaching it to a public place.

Bridges are the most popular. Local jetties too.

So, what do you think about it? Is it love or is it littering?

Are these locks a welcome addition, or do they detract from the ambience?

The practice of attaching padlocks to a bridge as a symbol of love — often called “love locks” — is widely believed to have begun in Serbia during World War I.

According to local legend, the tradition started in the spa town of Vrnjacka Banja. A schoolteacher named Nada fell in love with a Serbian officer named Relja. After he went to war in Greece and fell in love with another woman, Nada reportedly died of heartbreak. To protect their own relationships from a similar fate, young women in the town began writing their names and their lovers’ names on padlocks and attaching them to a bridge where Nada and Relja used to meet — now known as Most Ljubavi - Bridge of Love.

Modern Revival: Rome early 2000s

Although the Serbian story is considered the earliest known example, the practice became internationally popular much later — around 2006 — after an Italian novel by Federico Moccia highlighted the attaching of love locks to the Ponte Milvio in Rome. Fans began replicating the gesture in real life, and the custom quickly spread across Europe and then worldwide.

Whether it’s the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, the Pont de l’Archevêché in Paris, one of dozens of bridges across Victoria or locally; there’s hardly a bridge anywhere that doesn’t have a lock attached.

So, what do you think about the practice?

Here are some other ideas

Here are 10 of the best things to do for Valentine’s Day, whether you’re planning something romantic, fun, or meaningful:

1. Romantic Dinner Date: Make reservations at a cozy restaurant or cook a candlelit dinner at home. A home-cooked meal with their favorite dish often feels more personal.
2. Watch a Classic Romantic Movie: Pick a timeless love story like The Notebook, Titanic, or La La Land and create a cozy movie night setup.
3. Take a Weekend Getaway: Book a romantic escape to a nearby city, beach, or mountain retreat for uninterrupted quality time.
4. Plan a Surprise Experience: Think beyond gifts—plan a surprise picnic, rooftop dinner, scenic drive, or couples’ spa day.
5. Write a Love Letter: In the age of texting, a handwritten letter feels rare and meaningful. Share favourite memories and what you appreciate most about your partner.
6. Recreate Your First Date: Revisit the place you first met or recreate the experience at home for a nostalgic, heartfelt evening.
7. Take a Dance Class Together: Try salsa, ballroom, or even a fun online dance tutorial at home. It’s romantic and playful.
8. Do an Activity You Both Love: Hiking, painting, cooking class, wine tasting, game night—doing something shared strengthens connection.
9. Create a Personalized Gift: A photo album, custom playlist, or scrapbook of memories can be more meaningful than store-bought gifts.
10. Have a No-Phones Night: Turn off devices and focus fully on each other—deep conversations, laughter, and uninterrupted connection.