Traditional Irish Claddagh Rings
When walking around Ireland, or anywhere recently, it is common to glimpse the gold band of the traditional Irish Claddagh ring. The hand held heart resting beneath the crown is said to be a symbol of friendship, love and loyalty. A gift passed from friend to friend, between lovers, and through the family. But what are its origins?
Although there are more than one legend of the origin of the Irish Claddagh ring, the one which is usually believed is the story of Richard Joyce and his love. A member of the Joyce clan of Galway, he sailed to the West Indies, but on the way Joyce and his fellow sailors were captured and kept imprisoned as slaves.
Over fourteen years it was Joyce's job to work alongside a goldsmith. During his years of working Joyce supposedly designed the traditional Irish Claddagh ring. He had left his love back in Ireland and she is said to have been waiting for him. Finally, as William III ascended to the thrown, he called for the release of the British prisoners. Joyce was free to return home.
Before Joyce's return to Ireland, his 'owner' offered him wealth, and his daughter in marriage. Joyce said no, opting to return to Ireland and his long awaited love. After waiting for so long she was glad of his return, and married him instantly. It is said he gave her the ring as a symbol of their love. Due to this legend the tradition of the giving of the Irish Claddagh ring to lovers is obvious.
When Ireland was struck with the potato famine, many of the Irish families travelled to America, taking with them the Irish Claddagh ring, which has now become a family heirloom. The ring is now passed down through the female line, or to males to pass to their love.
As the ring is a tradition of the Irish families, it may be a gift between lovers and married couples, which ahs been passed down through the family. It shows a connection to the family, as well as a connection between the two who will join together at the wedding.
In recent times, the Claddagh ring has been used as a wedding band at pagan wedding ceremonies, often called a hand-fasting. The hand-fasting, as with more traditional wedding ceremonies, joins two people together in love and friendship, and so the Claddagh ring has become a popular symbol, rather than a plain gold band.
(ArticlesBase SC #587995)
Article Tags:
marriage
,Wedding
,relationship
,Wedding Rings
,Claddagh Ring
,irish claddagh ring
,irish wedding
Ring of Kerry, Ireland Travel Video Guide
For my final Irish story, I visit Cahersiveen where there are some Stone Forts that may well been the home of my Shea ancestors. I also revisit Knocknabar Mountain, where on an earlier trip to Ireland I heard an interesting story about Celtic traditions and lost sheepdogs. (04:05)
How to Size Mens Rings
Learn how to size mens rings so if you purchase mens jewelry rings you don't have to worry about re-sizing. (02:03)
How to Shopp for a Wedding Ring
Style Expert Michael O'Connor takes us wedding ring shopping at Michael C. Fina. Michael C. Fina has a wide variety of beautiful platinum engagement rings and wedding bands. (03:15)
How to Install a Towel Ring
In this home improvement video learn how to install a towel ring. (01:58)
How to Do Pilates Side Leg Lift with a Ring Exercise
Side Lying Adduction/Abduction with Ring is a variation of the original Pilates exercise “Side Leg Lift Series.” Using the ring adds resistance to help tone the muscles of the inner and outer thighs, the adductors and abductors. Keeping your abdominal muscles engaged while performing side lying exercises helps strengthen the core as well. You sculpt long, lean legs and flatten your abs. (04:27)
The Claddagh ring began as a symbol for love in Ireland. The origin of the ring and the romantic ideals represented make the ring a popular choice for those in love all across the world.
The Claddagh ring began as a symbol for love in Ireland. The origin of the ring and the romantic ideals represented make the ring a popular choice for those in love all across the world.
Some think that Irish Celtic jewelry is only for the Irish, or people of Irish decent, but when you see a Celtic wedding ring or engagement ring, you'll quickly see that it is amazing, beautiful jewelry with meaning behind it that anyone can relate to.
Some think that Celtic jewelry is only for Irish people or people of Irish decent, but when you see a Celtic wedding ring or Celtic engagement ring, you'll realize that it is top class, fine jewelry. The history and meaning behind Celtic Trinity knots and the story of Claddagh only serve to further enhance it's beauty.
Silver Irish rings are great gifts to give away to your precious loved ones. These rings and their corresponding designs usually have a powerful message and meaning to individuals of different backgrounds and nationalities. Most Irish rings hold a meaning for each symbol it carries, that's why they are so...
Incurring the exact ring to present to your precious partner can be awkward. There are just simply overly legion to prefer from, and some of them do not even correspond that extraordinary subject matter you need to communicate to your spouse. As Luck Would Have It, there is the Claddagh...
Finding Out the mastered ring to gift to your wanted partner can be difficult. There are hardly simply excessively many a to select from, and some of them do not even stand for that phenomenal subject matter you need to transmit to your partner. Fortuitously, there is the Claddagh ring....
In this article, you will learn what is really vital when it comes to making a relationship last.
This article will provide useful tips on how to identify and understand and troubled relationship and hep you work to save it.
Don't have the relationship of your dreams right now? This article will provide tips on how to save your relationship and get closer to the marriage of your dreams.
Does your relationship need work? In this article, we will discuss several things you can do about your unhealhty relationship.
If your lacking trust in your relationship and read this article to learn some effective ways to instill trust in your partner.
A healthy marriage or relationship takes a lot of work. This article will discuss some ideas on how effectively work on your marriage and prevent divorce.
This article will provide some helpful information on how you can resuce your marriage from your marriage or relationship problems.
Discover some helpful clues that may signify that you are in a toxic marriage.
During menopause there is another symptom that a lot of women do not realize is a symptom is weight gain. A woman can gain up to fifteen extra pounds during all the stages of menopause so you will probably want to lose weight after menopause.
There are many signs and symptoms of menopause and one of the main concerns that women have when they are going through menopause is spotting during menopause and is it normal or not.
How do we know that we have Herpes? Just watch out for red blisters, sensitive skin and any flu like symptoms which could mean that this virus sleeping in your body has been activated.
Colon hydrotherapy treatments are a way that people can have their colon or large intestine cleansed of toxins and impurities that may harm your body. The treatment consists of cleansing the colon by spraying warm purified water into the colon.
Cruises to Alaska are wonderful, but they it can quickly become one of the most expensive vacations you have ever taken. What if I told you that there was a way to find cheap Alaskan cruises?
This article will take about how to find and obtain small business grant money. As growing niche in this country, owners of small businesses are increasing their efforts in applying and obtaining these loans.
Going with all-natural made dog food is not a bad thing, especially with everything that is going on in the commercial dog food industry.
With high hope for people to lower their blood pressure by being on the DASH diet; more and more people are following this new trend in dieting. By being on the DASH diet.
0