Unlocking the love lock: (Almost) Valentine's Day Event
A padlock is a relatively mundane object, designed to fulfil a specific – and secular – purpose. However, a contemporary custom has given padlocks new significance. This custom is the love-lock, whereby padlocks are inscribed with names or initials, and locked onto public structures, in ritual declarations of love. Since the 2000s, this custom has emerged in locations as distant and varied as Paris and Taiwan; New York and Seoul; Melbourne and Moscow.
Drawing on interviews with love-lockers and the material culture of the love-locks themselves, this talk will explore the seemingly worldwide popularity of the love-lock as a ritual token of love and commitment by considering its history, symbolism, and cultural heritage.
All attendees will also have the chance to design their own love-lock after the lecture.