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22nd December 2008 - by Patricia McKinney Lins
The Irish Claddagh Ring
The Claddagh ring is the most well known symbol for love in
Ireland. It has been the traditional wedding ring of the Irish
since the 17th century. You may have seen the popular ring
which is now worn across the world. It has become a universal
symbol of love, loyalty, friendship, and fidelity.
The ring is made up of two hands holding a heart that wears a
crown. The heart is worn for love, the hands are worn for
friendship, and the crown is worn for loyalty and lasting
fidelity.
The phrase associated with the giving of the ring is: With my
hands I give you my heart, and crown it with my love.
The marital status of the person wearing the Irish Claddagh
ring is shown by the way it is worn. When it is worn on the
right hand with the crown and heart facing outward and away
from the body, the wearer s heart is yet to be won. When it is
worn on the right hand with the heart and crown facing inward,
the wearer is under love s spell ; they are in a relationship.
When the ring is worn on the left hand with the crown and heart
facing outward away from the body, the wearer is engaged. When
the ring is worn on the left hand facing inward, the person s
heart is happily taken in marriage.
The history of the Claddagh ring begins in a small fishing
village outside Galway in western Ireland. One legend has it
that the town of Claddagh developed the ring to be worn by the
fishermen and sailors so they could be identified in case of
shipwreck or other fatal accident.
Another version of the Claddagh ring s origin is a story about
the sixteenth century philanthropist named Margaret Joyce. She
inherited money from her first husband and used it to build
bridges from Galway to Sligo in Ireland. Because of Margaret s
generosity, an eagle flew over and dropped the original
Claddagh ring into her lap.
The most romantic Claddagh ring story is that Richard Joyce
from Claddagh was captured by pirates on his way to the West
Indies. He was taken into slavery and worked as a goldsmith. He
became a master at the trade and made a ring for the woman he
loved back in County Galway. When William III became king of
England, he released Joyce and others from slavery. When
Richard Joyce went home, he found that the woman he loved was
still waiting for him. They married and she wore the Claddagh
ring as her wedding band.
The Claddagh ring left Ireland on the hands of many who
emigrated during the Irish famine. The rings were kept as
heirlooms and were passed with pride from mother to daughter to
use as Irish wedding rings.
There are many variations of the Claddagh ring today. Diamonds,
emeralds, and other precious stones are inlaid in many
beautiful combinations.
You may want to show your Irish heritage or your appreciation
of the ideals of love, loyalty, friendship, and fidelity by
proudly joining those who wear the Irish Claddagh ring.
Copyright 2008, Patricia McKinney Lins. All rights
reserved.
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Learn about more Irish wedding traditions for
your wedding in Ireland or around the world by
visiting the author's website at http://www.majestic-castles-in-ireland.com.
Experience the beautiful landscapes, the
stunning coastlines, the quaint villages,
and so much more.
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