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Want to know what does a Claddagh Ring Mean?

 

CLADDAGH – the Irish symbol of Love, Loyalty and Friendship…

 

The Claddagh (Clá-dá) is a well known Irish symbol, but exactly why did the Claddagh become so important to the Irish? Claddagh Ring wall art handcrafted from copper Gifts made in Ireland

The word Claddagh comes from the Irish word ‘an Cladach’, which means ‘the shore’.  Claddagh is actually a fishing village in Galway where the River Corrib enters Galway Bay and back in the day it was just outside the city walls of Galway.  It is one of the oldest fishing villages in Ireland and locals would have sold their catch at the fish market across the river at Spanish Arch.

Claddagh had its own king and he led the fishing fleet, using the Hooker boats, combating pirates and deciding when to brave the seas. Claddagh villagers spoke Irish and lived in pretty thatched cottages, unfortunately most of the old village was deemed too dangerous and was pulled down in the 1930s, but the views across Galway Bay are still amazing.

People often spell Claddagh incorrectly – cladagh, clladagh, cladaugh, calladagh, cladda.

 

Claddagh Design

The Claddagh symbol that we know now is the distinctive design of the famous Claddagh ring, which was traditionally used in the village of Claddagh as a wedding ring and now in modern times is often used internationally as a wedding ring and also as an engagement or friendship ring.

Claddagh Greeting Card made in Ireland, Love Loyalty & Friendship

The well known design is two clasped hands holding a crowned heart:

  • Heart represents love

 

  • Crown represents loyalty

 

  • Two clasped hands represent friendship

 

 

  • So what is the connection between the village of Claddagh and the ring?

    The story of the Claddagh Ring is surrounded by myth, but it is probable that the design is a variation from the European ‘fede rings’ (Italian ‘mani in fede’ = hands joined in loyalty), dating back to Roman times as a symbol of pledging vows.

  • As European trade to Galway increased, this type of ring became known to craftspeople in the Village and fashioned to become the Claddagh Ring. This was then used as a wedding ring for centuries in the Village. Then by people in Connemara and the Aran Islands. Over time the Claddagh ring’s popularity grew throughout Ireland and during the Victorian period it became popular in the U.K. and eventually beyond.

    However, for those who prefer myths, there are two legends surrounding this Irish ring.

  • Legend 1)
  • It is said that Margaret Joyce inherited quite a sum on the death of her husband – Domingo de Rona (a Spanish merchant who traded with Galway).  In 1596 Margaret remarried to Oliver Og Ffrench, the major of Galway.  She used her inheritance of her first marriage to build much needed bridges all over the west of Ireland.  Legend has it that an eagle dropped the first Claddagh Ring on her lap to reward her for her good deeds!
  • Legend 2)
  • Another Joyce – Richard – was out at sea with other fisherman from Claddagh, when they were captured by pirates.  Richard, the youngest of the men, had just met his one true love and was distraught at the thought of never seeing her again.  He was sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith. Over the years Richard gathered specks of his master’s gold. Eventually he had enough gold to make a ring for his love back in Ireland. Richard was released along with British slaves following the demands of the English King William III in 1689. He returned to Claddagh where the love of his life had waited for him and he presented her with the very first of these famous rings.The Claddagh ring was often the only heirloom of a fishing family and would have been handed down from generation to generation. This practice continues across the world to this day.

 

  • Claddagh Photo FrameHow to wear your Ring

    Depending on which hand it is worn on, the Claddagh Ring tells the world the status of the wearer:

    • Single and looking for love = worn on the right hand with the heart pointing away.
    • Already in love = worn on the right hand with the heart pointing in.
    • Engaged = worn on the left hand with the heart pointing away.
    • Married = worn on the left hand with the heart pointing in.

     

     

    The Claddagh is famous as the Irish symbol of ‘love, friendship and loyalty’. These days it can be found on all sorts of items and not just rings. Browse Totally Irish Gifts to find your perfect Claddagh gift for your loved ones.

 

   Irish symbol of ‘Love, Friendship and Loyalty’

‘Let Love and Friendship Reign Forever’

 

Click to view all Claddagh Gifts currently in stock at Totally Irish Gifts 

 

A selection of our Claddagh gifts:

Claddagh Ogham Silver Cross

Claddagh Ogham Cross Necklace, silver cross with a Claddagh and 'love' in Ogham, made in Ireland by Boru Jewellery

Claddagh Ogham Cross

Claddagh Ogham Cross Necklace

Claddagh Birthstone Necklace

Beautiful Claddagh Birthstone Necklace Garnet January made in Ireland by Boru Jewllery

Claddagh Birthstone Necklace (all months)

Claddagh Motto Ogham Frame

Claddagh Motto handpainted Ogham, Friendship, Love, Loyalty, handmade in Ireland by Ogham Wishes

Claddagh Motto Ogham Style Small Frame

Personalised Claddagh Wedding Photo Frame

Personalised Claddagh Wedding Photo frame, made from bronze by Druid Crafts Ireland

Personalised Bronze Claddagh Wedding Photo Frame

 

Claddagh Gift Box for WomenIrish Claddagh Gift Box, selection of gifts made in Ireland

Irish Claddagh Gift Box for Women

 

Claddagh Ring Framed Bronze Art

Claddagh Ring Bronze Art in brown frame, made in Ireland by Rynhart Bronze Fine Art

Claddagh Ring Framed Bronze Art (brown)

 

Connemara Marble Love Stone

Connemara Marble Claddagh Love Stone. Made in Ireland

Connemara Marble Love Stone

 

 

Shop at an Irish Store, all our gifts are made in Ireland, visit Totally Irish Gifts

 

Totally Irish Gifts