The Irish Claddagh Ring Tradition

Claddagh rings have become synonymous with the Emerald Isle.

A token of love and an emblem of Irish heritage, the Claddagh ring's exact origins are a mystery. A biography of the piece of jewelry contains some facts, but mostly legend and lore. Despite its mystifying history, however, the Claddagh ring is still a popular bit of adornment.

Identification

Claddagh rings are distinguished by two hands holding a crowned heart

Claddagh rings are recognized by two hands clasping a heart. The hands are upturned and delicately hold the heart between the thumb and forefinger in a presentational manner. A regal crown sits atop the heart.

Significance

The position of the Claddagh ring on a woman's finger indicated if she was already in love or ready to be loved

Each element of the Claddagh ring is emblematic. The heart symbolizes the steadfastness of love while the crown signifies loyalty. The hands cradling the heart are used represent friendship. Even the way that the ring is worn is symbolic. When on a woman's finger, it indicates whether she is free to be courted or whether she is taken. If worn on the right hand, with the heart facing outward, the indentation open towards the world, then the a man can flirt with the girl. However, when worn in the opposite direction--with the inward curls of the heart pointing towards her own heart--then her heart has already been captured, (at least for the time being). When worn on the left hand, with the heart's crown facing outward, she is happily married. The poetic meaning of the ring roughly translates to mean, "Let love and friendship reign forever."

History

Like other traditions, the Claddagh ring arrived in America along with Irish immigrants.

The ancient Roman Fede ring was the antecedent to the Claddagh ring. Translated to mean "faith rings" or "finger rings," these rings were typified by two clasped hands. By the 17th century, it became a common wedding ring. When the Irish Potato Famine struck the Emerald Isle in 1845, a wave of Irish immigrated to America, via Ellis Island. This migration catalyzed the popularity of the Claddagh ring in the New World.

Theories/Speculation

Legends and fables surround the Claddagh ring.

Fanciful lore surrounds the Claddagh ring's origins. One myth is that an Irish lass, Margaret Joyce, wed a wealthy Spanish merchant. When he died, she inherited his fortune and funneled the money into charitable works throughout Ireland. To reward her for her generosity, an eagle dropped the ring into her lap. In another fable, a prince fell in love with a common girl from a commonplace village. Fearing that the prince was taunting his daughter with a young man's caprice, her protective father rejected the boy's offer of marriage. It was only when the prince presented the Claddagh ring to her as an expression of his love, devotion and fidelity, that the father blessed the match.

The most accepted tale, however, is that of Richard Joyce, who was forced to leave his Irish Juliet and venture to the West Indies to make his fortune. Pirates, however, captured his ship before it reached the Caribbean and Richard was sold to a Moorish goldsmith. Under his new master, Richard learned the art of jewelry making. When peace was negotiated and Richard returned home, elated to find that his sweetheart still awaited him, he fashioned the ring to symbolize their love and interlocking souls.

Effects

Pop culture has embraced the Claddagh ring.

Pop culture has embraced and popularized the Claddagh ring. The cult classic "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" made the ring fashionable when the heroine fell in love with the centuries-old vampire, Angel, and he gave her a Claddagh ring as a symbol of his love and his Irish heritage just before he turned evil and broke her heart. Throughout that series season, (the third season), the ring symbolized the link and enduring love between them.

References

• Irish Claddagh Rings: Fede Rings: Precursor of Claddagh Ring
• Absolute Astronomy: Claddagh Ring Facts and Symbolism
• Time and Space Toys: Claddagh Ring Influence on Pop Culture