Wedding Ring

Chances are, you’ve seen the beautiful Irish wedding rings, known as Claddagh or Claddugh rings. The Claddagh ring is formed by ornately cuffed hands holding a heart and topped by a crown. Claddagh rings have become increasingly popular over the past twenty years or so. I first saw a Claddagh ring, about 25 years ago, worn by a college friend of mine named Deirdre, whose family hailed from Ireland. I fell instantly in love with the romantic design and the story of the ring.

The modern Claddagh rings date back to the 1700s. But the concept of the triune Claddagh design has been around for centuries. The Claddagh came to the United States with Irish immigrants during the Irish Potato Famine of the 1850s. The Claddagh’s symbols represent love, friendship and loyalty. The hands represent the steadfast nature of true friendship. The crown is a metaphor for loyalty. Not loyalty to the crown of England, but loyalty to God or to the ancient kings of Ireland. The heart, eternal love; communicates that the giver offers his or her whole heart to the wearer.

The Claddagh legend also tells that the ring proclaims to the world, the romantic status of the wearer. Worn on the right hand, heart facing outward, the wearer is single and seeking a relationship. Worn with the heart facing inward, the wearer is in love. If the ring is worn on the left hand, ring finger, heart facing outward, the wearer is engaged. Heart facing inward, the wearer is married.

I claim about one quarter Irish blood; my maiden name is Kinney. And I wanted one of those Claddagh rings. I hunted high and low and finally found one at a motorcycle swap meet. My intended was shopping for parts for his 1967 Triumph Daytona. He bought me my Claddagh. We were married several years later and I have always wanted him to wear a Claddagh as well. The Claddagh ring was often exchanged as wedding bands in Ireland.

Just a few days ago, I finally persuaded my husband to wear a Claddagh ring to match mine. We bought new rings and plan to have our local parish priest (aptly from our home parish of St. Patrick’s Church) bless our rings on our 22nd anniversary, July 18, 2009.

If you need some romantic ideas for your anniversary or are looking for a special gift for your loved one, consider giving or exchanging a Claddagh ring. Click here for details. Erin go Braugh!

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