Claddagh Ring and Wedding Traditions
For more on the Irish and Celtic Weddings and Wedding Traditions, please visit our sister sites aCelticWedding.com & IrishWedding.com and the complimentary Irish Blessings there.
Some background on the Claddagh Ring and its significance in Irish marriages and weddings.
Happy Valentines to all!
Today, many couples like to express their Irish heritage in a very profound way by having "Claddagh" rings as their wedding band of choice. This special design can be taken one step further and used as a theme for the entire wedding. As well as opting for Claddagh wedding rings, the design can be used on invitations, wedding programs and thank you cards. There are Claddagh vases to be had for centerpieces, as well as designs that can be placed on top of the cake.
Named after one of Ireland's oldest fishing villages, Claddagh - located just outside the walls of Galway City where the Corrib River meets Galway Bay - these rings have been in use in Ireland, particularly in County Galway, for several hundred years.
The first Claddagh ring is believed to have been crafted by the blacksmith Richard Joyce around 1690. At first, it became very popular in Joyce's local village of Claddagh and around County Galway, but later gained popularity throughout the county. Today, you can spot Claddagh rings all around the world. The Claddagh ring was often passed down as a heirloom from mother to daughter. It can serve as an engagement ring or a wedding ring or indeed both.
It is designed with a heart at the center, a hand either side of the heart and a crown on top. The heart is of course the symbol of love. The hands on either side represent friendship and the crown represents loyalty and fidelity.
The manner in which the ring is worn has a symbolism all its own. If worn on the right hand or with the heart facing away from your heart - it means that you are free to love.
If worn on the right hand with the heart facing inwards towards your heart - it means your "heart is taken." If worn on the left hand facing in - it means you have committed your life to another - forever.
