Many girls these days are wearing Claddagh rings, and whether they know it or not, the Claddagh ring is actually a Celtic wedding ring. But the story behind it is what I love the most. So, I just thought I'd enlighten those who have never heard the story with this romantic tale.
The Story of the Claddagh Ring
Five centuries ago, just outside of the city of Galway, in the village of Claddagh, a youngman was fishing at sea with the other men in his family. The sea presented many dangers, but the greatest risk was the pirates that manned the waters. On one such day, a group of pirates captured the men from Claddagh and took them to the far off North Coast of Africa. It was there that they were sold into slavery for what they were sure would be the best rest of their lives.
Richard, the youngest of those captured, was most distraught because days before they were captured, he had met his true love and now feared that he would not live to see her again.
Years passed. Several of the men died. Others accepted their fate. Richard worked as a slave, but still longed to be back in Claddagh with his beloved. To keep this hope in his heart, each day Richard stole a tiny speck of gold from his slave master and soon had enough gold to create a ring. It was his hope, that when he returned to his village one day, he could present the ring to his true love.
Somehow, Richard was able to escape his captivity and finally made the long journey home. He was pleased to learn that his true love had remained unmarried and was still awaiting his return. It was on that day that Richard gave his one true love the ring he created which is now today known worldwide as the Claddagh Ring.
Five centuries ago, just outside of the city of Galway, in the village of Claddagh, a youngman was fishing at sea with the other men in his family. The sea presented many dangers, but the greatest risk was the pirates that manned the waters. On one such day, a group of pirates captured the men from Claddagh and took them to the far off North Coast of Africa. It was there that they were sold into slavery for what they were sure would be the best rest of their lives.
Richard, the youngest of those captured, was most distraught because days before they were captured, he had met his true love and now feared that he would not live to see her again.
Years passed. Several of the men died. Others accepted their fate. Richard worked as a slave, but still longed to be back in Claddagh with his beloved. To keep this hope in his heart, each day Richard stole a tiny speck of gold from his slave master and soon had enough gold to create a ring. It was his hope, that when he returned to his village one day, he could present the ring to his true love.
Somehow, Richard was able to escape his captivity and finally made the long journey home. He was pleased to learn that his true love had remained unmarried and was still awaiting his return. It was on that day that Richard gave his one true love the ring he created which is now today known worldwide as the Claddagh Ring.
The design of the ring is very unique. The heart symbolizes the love Richard longed to share with his true love; the crown, his undying loyalty; and the hands, friendship which is the foundation for all relationships.
There is even a guide to how the ring should be worn. If it is worn on the right hand with the heart pointing it out, it mean's the wearer's heart is uncommitted. If it is worn on the same hand with the heart pointing in, the wearer's heart is taken. But if by chance it is worn on the left hand with the heart pointing in towards the wearer's own heart, it actually means, "Let love and friendship reign forever, never to be separated." In this case, the wearer is mostly likely engaged or married.
I think the tale of the Claddagh ring and its signficance is really an amazing story! Of course, I'm also Irish so I believe in its reality, but the beauty of love that is shown by Richard and his beloved's undying faith is truely magical, which is probably why the ring is so popular these days. I am sure every girl's wish is to find a love that can last a million years and across a thousand seas, a most loyal love that is strung together by friendship. At least that is what I wish for...
There is even a guide to how the ring should be worn. If it is worn on the right hand with the heart pointing it out, it mean's the wearer's heart is uncommitted. If it is worn on the same hand with the heart pointing in, the wearer's heart is taken. But if by chance it is worn on the left hand with the heart pointing in towards the wearer's own heart, it actually means, "Let love and friendship reign forever, never to be separated." In this case, the wearer is mostly likely engaged or married.
I think the tale of the Claddagh ring and its signficance is really an amazing story! Of course, I'm also Irish so I believe in its reality, but the beauty of love that is shown by Richard and his beloved's undying faith is truely magical, which is probably why the ring is so popular these days. I am sure every girl's wish is to find a love that can last a million years and across a thousand seas, a most loyal love that is strung together by friendship. At least that is what I wish for...
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