The Claddagh Ring

Although many of you may have done your St. Patty’s day celebrations during this past weekend let’s not forget that the real day is this Wednesday! In honor of St. Patrick’s Day I thought we could focus on the Claddagh ring. Everyone knows that the Claddagh ring is part of Irish tradition but I thought we could revisit the actual meaning of the ring itself. The elements of the ring are said to correspond to the qualities of love (the heart), friendship (the hands), and loyalty (the crown). The expression associated with these symbols when giving the ring was “With my two hands I give you my heart, and crown it with my loyalty.” The expression, “Let love and friendship reign forever” can be found as another meaning of these symbols. The way the ring is worn on the hand is usually intended to convey the wearer’s romantic availability, or the lack thereof. If the ring is worn on the right hand with the heart facing outward, this means that the wearer is not romantically linked but is looking for love. When the ring is turned inwards it means the wearer is in a relationship or their heart has been “captured”. Lastly, when the Claddagh is worn on the left hand with the heart facing outward this means the wearer is engaged; turned inwards indicates the wearer is married. Enjoy, and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!