Claddagh Celtic Symbol Meaning

Named for a fishing village near the city of Galway, the Claddagh is an Irish ring traditionally given as either a love token or a wedding ring. Although the ring design dates to the 18th century, the symbols are much older.

Features

The design of the Claddagh consists of a pair of hands holding a crowned heart. The clasped hands --- "mani in fede" or "hands in faith" --- symbolize faith and have been used on love tokens since Roman times. The heart symbolizes love, and the crown denotes perfection.

Function

The ring is usually worn to communicate the wearer's romantic availability. If it is worn on the right hand, with the top of the heart turned away from the wearer, the wearer is not romantically involved. If it is turned towards the wearer, the wearer is in a relationship. Worn on the left hand, a heart turned away from the wearer symbolizes that the wearer is engaged; if it is turned towards the wearer, the wearer is married.

Theories/Speculation

In their books published in the 1840s, Samuel and Anna Hall described Claddagh rings as heirloom wedding rings passed from mother to daughter. However, jewelry expert Ida Dellamer asserts the Halls received much of their information from folklorist Thomas Croker, who has since been discredited. Dellamer theorizes that Claddagh rings were invented and popularized by Galway smiths in the 18th and 19th centuries.

References

• "The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable"; Claddagh Ring; Elizabeth Knowles; 2006
• The Victoria and Albert Museum: Ring
• "The Feckin' Book of Everything Irish"; Colin Murphy and Donal O'Day; 2006
• "The Irish Arts Review Yearbook"; The Claddagh Ring; Ida Dellamer; 1996