The Legend of the Claddagh

The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring, given in friendship or worn as a wedding ring. The ring originated in the 17th Century, though elements of the ring's design are much older. The Claddagh was created in a fishing village called Claddagh overlooking Galway Bay, close to the city of the Tribes. There are many versions of how the Claddagh ring was created, but this one may be closer to historical truth;

A man named Richard Joyce, a native of Galway, left his town to work in the West Indies. He intended to marry his love when he returned. However, his ship was captured by Algerian pirates and and he was sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith where he learned how to work with precious metals.

When William III, became king, he demanded the Moors release all British prisoners and Joyce was set free. Though his master had grown so fond of Joyce that he offered his most beautiful daughter's hand in marriage if he would stay on. Joyce refused and returned home to marry his betrothed. They were wed at once and he gave his bride the Claddagh ring he had designed and made especially for her.

By tradition Claddagh rings symbolize that love and friendship should be valued above all. The hands signify friendship, the crown loyalty, and the heart love. How the Claddagh is worn tells others if you wear it in friendship, engagement or as a wedding ring.

Friendship: by placing the ring anywhere on your right hand.

Engagement: by placing the on the third finger of your left hand with the heart pointed outwards.

Wedding: represented by placing the ring on the third finger of your left hand with the heart pointing inwards towards your heart.

Lastly, legend has it that it's very bad luck to buy your own Claddagh ring, it should be given as a gift by someone who close to you.

Irish and Celtic Wedding Rings

When your mate proposed did he ask;

"Would you like to be buried with my people?"

or perhaps

"Would you like to hang your washing next to mine?".

If he did, and you accepted, then it's time to switch your Claddagh ring to your right hand and face the heart inward signifying that you are a taken lass. Your fiance has used an old Irish proposal to ask you for your hand in marriage.

The traditional Claddagh he might propose with is a heart held by two hands with a crown upon the top. The crown stands for honor, the heart for love and the hands for faith. The motto for the Claddagh is “Let love and friendship reign.” Once your married you can switch your Claddagh to your right hand and wear it as a your wedding band.

As an alternative to the Claddagh many couples are opting for wedding bands that bear Celtic knotwork symbolizing how they feel about one another. The Lover's Knot is used in many Irish weddings as it's commonly believed that the weave symbolizes eternal unity and faithfulness. Others opt for The Warrior Shield as it is said to represent the unending circle of life.

But whichever ring you chose, the meaning that you and your partner assign it is what you will always carry with you. And if you opt for a ring that doesn't bear any Celtic or Irish symbolism it's still possible to honor Irish wedding traditions. Lore has it that the earrings you wear on your wedding day will bring you good luck for the rest of your life.