Irish Wedding Ring

Irish Wedding Ring

Claddagh ring meaning   by Kevin Thomas

The Claddagh ring, known as fáinne Chladach in Irish is a traditional Irish ring given in friendship or worn as a wedding ring. The design and customs associated with it originated in the Irish fishing village of Claddagh. The ring was first produced in the 17th century, though elements of the design are much older. Claddagh jewellery designs are also now available in earring, bangles and bracelets.

The Claddagh's distinctive design features two hands clasping a heart, and usually surmounted by a crown. The elements of the symbol are often said to correspond to the qualities of love (the heart), friendship (the hands), and loyalty (the crown). The expression which was associated with these symbols in the giving of the ring was: "With my two hands I give you my heart, and crown it with my love." Yet, the expression, "Let love and friendship reign forever" can be found as another meaning for the symbols.
The way that a Claddagh ring is worn on the hand is usually intended to convey the wearer's romantic availability. The ring is worn on the right hand with the heart facing outward to show that the wearer is not romantically linked but is looking for love. When turned inwards, it is shown that the wearer is in a relationship, or their heart has been "captured". The ring worn on the left hand with the heart facing outward shows the wearer is engaged; turned inward indicates the wearer is married.

A Fenian Claddagh, without the crown, was later designed in Dublin for the Irish Republican community, but that is not an indication that the crown in the original design was intended as a symbol of fidelity to the British crown. The Fenian Claddagh, while still in use, does not quite share the popularity of the ancient design. In any event, it seems likely that the crown of the Claddugh was intended to represent the ancient kings of Ireland.

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