The Story of the Claddagh

The claddagh is a very familiar symbol found on all kinds of Celtic souveniers, especially jewelry. There is symbolism to the claddagh,  and a sweet, romantic story behind it. 

It all started about 300 years ago in the small fishing village of Claddagh, just outside the town of Galway, on the west coast of Ireland. According to legend, a fishing boat from the village was captured by pirates and the crew was taken and sold into slavery. One young lad, who was scheduled to be married that very week, was sold to a Turkish Gold Smith. During his years in captivity, he never stopped loving his girl back in the village. He crafted a ring of gold for her. After many years, he earned his freedom and returned home to the village of Claddagh, where he found his young love waiting for him. She had never given up hope that they he would return to her. He gave her the ring, and they were married, never to be separated ever again.

Sigh.

The symbols on a claddagh are the heart in the center (symbolizing love), two hands (friendship) and a crown (loyalty). 

If you have a claddagh ring, take care of how you wear it. In Ireland, there is a particular way to wear this ring and they take this very seriously. How you wear the ring indicates your relationship status.

If worn on the right hand with the heart pointing toward the fingertips, this indicates the wearer is single and looking for love. 

Worn on the right hand with the heart pointing toward the wrist, the wearer is in a relationship, or, their heart is captured.

Worn on the left hand, with the heart pointing toward the fingertips, the wearer is engaged to be married. And worn on the left hand with the heart pointing toward the wrist, the wearer is married. Forever bound in love, friendship and loyalty. 

You are Blessed indeed if you enjoy a relationship with all three; love, friendship and loyalty. 

I leave you with a few photos I took in the village of Claddagh this past summer. 

Slainte! 

The fishing village of Claddagh