Wednesday, January 14, 2009

The Claddagh: Symbol of Loyalty, Friendship and Love




The Claddagh, an ancient Gaelic symbol, is today a universal symbol of lasting love, eternal friendship, and loyalty. It was first designed around 400 years ago in a small village near Galway, Ireland. The Claddagh symbol shows a crown above two hands clasping a heart in the middle.
The Claddagh design is used on the traditional wedding ring of the Irish.
The Claddagh is often placed on betrothal bands to represent holding a lover's heart in one's hands. "With these hands I give you my heart and I crown it with my love."
Traditionally, the Claddagh ring has been considered a marriage heirloom. A mother would pass the family Claddagh ring to her daughter on her daughter's wedding day.
Claddagh Symbolism
· The crown symbolizes loyalty.
· The hands symbolize friendship.
· The heart symbolizes love.
· Sometimes combined with a cross to symbolize faith.
How to Wear a Claddagh Ring:
If worn on your right hand with the heart facing outwards, it means your heart is still open to love.
If worn on your right hand with the heart facing inwards, you are telling the world that you are considering being in love.
If worn on your left hand with the heart facing inwards, it means you have joined your life with another forever.

I have many beautiful Claddagh pieces: rings, bracelets, necklace, earrings, pins, wall hangings, coasters, etc. - most were given to me as gifts, what a beautiful symbol, simple yet it says so much and I treasure them all!

1 comment:

preppyplayer said...

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