The Claddagh ring meaning is simply to invoke love, friendship, and loyalty to your special someone. It is a unique practice of displaying affection that has originated from an area also known as Claddagh—it is an ancient fishing village located in Galway, Ireland. The design of the ornament features a “hand heart crown ring.” And although it is an ancient tradition from the Celtic Claddagh, it’s still as popular today, especially to couples. And if you’re here because you want to know more about the Irish Claddagh ring meaning and other significant facts about it, then today’s topic is specially made just for you! So without further delays, let’s begin…
Claddagh is an area in Galway, Ireland. During the ancient eras, the place is primarily known as a fishing village. Although the Claddagh ring meaning is surrounded by various myths and legends about its origin, the small ancient village in Galway is credited as the original makers of the accessory.
The first recorded productions of these rings at the beginning of the industrial periods are in the 1700s. And its first known maker at that time is Bartholomew Fallon—a goldsmith of the Irish Claddagh. His name has first appeared in the will of another jewelry and accessory craftsman named Dominick Martin. Also, you can still see the signature of Bartholomew Fallon in samples of Claddagh rings that were produced in the 1700s.
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, the significance of the ring is to display your love and appreciation to your better behalf, family member, or close friend. The aesthetic of the rings is unique and very recognizable due to its hand-shaped design tips from end-to-end that’s holding a crowned heart. You might find other variations of the ring, but the basic designs stay the same. And this is because each of the elements of the ring is symbolic. Let’s take a look at them—
·Hands – it designates the symbol of friendship
·Crown – it shows that you are loyal to your partner or friend
·Heart – it supposed to display your love for the other person
Although Claddagh rings are a popular heritage accessory in Ireland, it is also a prominent traditional ring with Americans that have Irish ancestry. It is basically worn to represent friendship and as an engagement or wedding ring. In addition, other design variations don’t include the crown. However, it didn’t reach the same level of popularity as with the crowned version. It is also commonly used as heirloom jewelry that is passed down from generation to generation.
Since Claddagh ring represent so much history, it also bears meaning based on the ring placement on your fingers and positioning of the heart. Although the two hands clasping the heart and crowns mean friendship, it is believed that the main idea of its wearing is to should primarily display your relationship status as listed below—
·The right hand and the heart pointing inward means that the person is supposed to be in a relationship
·The right hand and the heart pointing outward means that person is supposed to be single and that the person might be looking for a relationship
·The left hand and the heart pointing inward indicates that the person is happily married and contented with his marriage
·The left hand and the heart pointing outward indicates that the person is engaged and soon to tie the knots with their better behalf
In some perspective, the ring is sort of an ancient form of displaying relationship status to the public, similar to present-day Facebook. This may be the case—the item is also a popular heritage ring passed by mothers to their daughters from one generation to the other. You may also give them as a gift to your friends as a sign of your friendship—the hallmark of the design does represent friendship, after all. But whatever your belief may be, the Claddagh meaning still remains the same—love, loyalty, and friendship. And it’s definitely a perfect present for your loved ones.
In modern times, you would see various designs of the Claddagh Rings in the market. There are rings that are made up of special metal alloys, while others have intricate moldings and carvings. In addition, there are also designs that are specially made for each gender. It’s a great idea to infuse originality and modern concepts. Also, it allows you to select the Claddagh ring of your choice that best suits your personality. This may be the case—the sentiments of wearing the rings remain the same, which also explains its popularity despite being an ancient wearable.
As mentioned in the previous section, the fashion and significance of wearing Claddagh rings are no longer exclusive to Celtic tradition. Nowadays, it is a very popular trend for individuals with Irish ancestry and individuals who are allured to the meaning and history behind the Claddagh Rings. As popular as they may be—they’re still hard to come by, and it is only available in few selected regions around the globe. The only way that you can get one for yourself is through online merchants.
The Celtics of ancient Ireland have always been known for their unique attire and jewelry rich with myths and symbolism. Aside from the Claddagh rings, they have other jewelry and accessories that bear great significance to the Irish culture. I have listed below three of the popular ones—
The Celtic Cross
The Celtic cross is probably the most well-known symbol of this ancient culture. It is typically fashioned into a necklace that has a distinguishable cross hanging with the circular halo surrounding its center.
The Trinity Knot
The Trinity knot is also a necklace that is prominent in ancient Irish tradition. Despite the resemblance of the word “trinity” to Christian belief, it actually predates the birth of the religion. The meaning of the three knots actually represents the symbol of the Norse Deity named Odin.
Celtic Knot Spirals
The Celtic Knot Spirals is a ring with infinite inter-looping knots as its design. Knots bear special meaning to the ancient Irish people. How strong and effective the knot could spell the difference between safety from danger and success from failure. And you can particularly see its significance in their art and wearable’s like the Celtic Knot Spirals similar to the Claddagh ring meaning implies.
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the Claddagh Ring Meaning—
The hallmark of the Claddagh Ring is its design. It has two hands reaching from end-to-end that are clasping a crowned heart. The two hands represent friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty. It is traditionally used as heirlooms, wedding rings, engagement rings, or gifts on special occasions.
It depends. The placement and positioning of the ring bear special significance. If you put the ring in your right hand with the heart pointing inwards means that you’re in a relationship, while putting the placing the heart outward meant that you’re single. On the other hand, if you put them in your left hand with the heart pointing inwards means that you’re married, while the outward means engaged.
The answer is no. This is a popular misconception about the ring. First off, it is not a cursed object, and you can buy them anytime you wish.
