The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring that can be worn by either a male or female. The Claddagh ring is given as a friendship or wedding ring. The customs and designs of the ring originally came from the city of Claddagh. Claddagh is a fishing village just outside the city of Galway located in Ireland. In the seventieth century, during the reign of Queen Mary II, the Claddagh ring first came into circulation.
The distinctive designs of the Claddagh ring feature two hands holding a heart. Atop of the heart you will generally find a crown. It is said that the elements associated with the ring have special meanings. The hands represent the joining of friends or friendship. Love is represented by the heart. The crown stands for loyalty. “Let love and friendship reign” is a common phrase given in association with the symbols of the ring.
The way a Claddagh ring is worn, represents whether or not the wearer is available for romantic relationships. If the ring is worn of the right hand, with the symbols facing away from the body, this indicates the person is not tied down to a serious relationship. This wearer is available and searching for love, their heart is open. When the ring is worn on the right hand but the symbol is facing towards the body, this means that the wearer is in a committed relationship. Their heart has been captured and they are not free for romantic interludes. Worn on the left hand facing away from the body normally indicates the wearer is engaged. They have promised their heart to another. If the Claddagh ring is worn of the left hand, facing toward the body, this is an indication the wearer is married. They promised their heart to another in front of God and their family.
There are several different legends as to the origin of the Claddagh ring. Margaret Joyce is the subject of one of these tales. It is said that she married a merchant named Domingo de Rona. They married and returned to Spain where he died. Upon his death Margaret inherited a large amount of money. She returned to her home in Ireland and married the mayor of Galway, Oliver Ogffrench. With the money from her inheritance, she provided money for the construction of bridges in Connacht. She provided this money out of the goodness of her heart as charity. It is said that as a reward for her good deeds, an eagle dropped a Claddagh ring into her lap as a way of thanking her.
A second story tells of a Prince who fell madly in love with a maiden. With his bare hands he constructed a ring. The ring had two hands holding a heart and on top of the heart was a crown. When the maiden’s father heard the meaning of the symbols, he was so impressed he blessed their marriage.
The Claddagh ring is worn today mostly by people of Irish decent. They are primarily worn as engagement and wedding rings. People like the Claddagh ring for it’s uniqueness as well as crafted symbolism.
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