What is a claddagh ring?
Have you heard the term Claddagh Ring but never knew what it meant? The Claddagh tradition is Irish. It comes from a now non-existent fishing village near Galway. The town maintained a sovereign settlement until their last King, Martin Oliver, died in 1972. Depending upon how the ring is worn, it can signify different things. The symbol is of two hands joined together supporting a single heart. It stands for “Let love & friendship reign.” If the ring is worn on the right hand, with the heart facing outward, it means the person is single, with a free heart. Heart facing inwardly, toward the knuckle of the right hand, it means this person is unavailable. If worn on the left hand, it means the person’s heart is taken. Although not everyone agrees wholeheartedly on the history of the Claddagh Ring, the person who seems to get the most attribution for making this ring first is Richard Joyes. His ship was captured and he became a slave to a goldsmith who turned him into an apprentice. When h
The traditional wedding ring of the Irish since the 17th Century, the Royal Claddagh ring is today worn by people all over the world as a universal symbol of love, loyalty, friendship and fidelity, and of their Irish heritage. The ring’s distinctive design features two hands clasping a heart surmounted by a crown. The elements of this symbol are often said to correspond to the qualities of friendship (the hands), loyalty (the crown) and love (the heart) that are said to combine in a good marriage.
By: Dianne Hamments The design elements common to all Claddagh rings are two hands lovingly holding, embracing or caressing a heart, topped by a simple crown. The Claddagh design is strongly identified with Ireland and its history and lore, but it actually symbolizes much, much more than that. It stands for loyalty, trust and faith. And it is a pure,shining symbol of eternal friendship. In short, it symbolizes life, and love. Each of the elements in the design of a Claddagh ring has a meaning. The heart symbolizes love, the hands surrounding the heart symbolize friendship, and the crown signifies loyalty. The saying “let love and friendship reign” perfectly summarizes the symbolism of the Claddagh design. Claddagh Rings Are Irish, But Are Worn Throughout The World. Claddagh jewelry is named after a small Irish fishing village located near Galway, Ireland. Although originally uniquely Irish, the wave of Irish immigration that occurred during the mid- and late-1800s spread the Claddagh d
The Claddagh Ring is now famous around the world as a well-known symbol of friendship, love and loyalty. More… Children of all ages enjoy the book. Those in the 7–11 age group enjoy reading this lively, entertaining and easy-to-read-book for themselves. It has already become a favourite bedtime story in many homes around the world. Read the Reviews… This heart-warming book rekindles the history of the Claddagh Ring and reminds the next generation about this magical part of their heritage. An ideal gift for children.
