I have a thing for claddaghs. They are an Irish symbol of love, affection and romance. The crown stands for loyalty, the hands for friendship and the heart for love. Lovers, family and friends exchange them and many families hand them down as keepsakes and tokens of affection. At this time of year they start popping up and I am happy to see them. You may have seen one but not be familiar with the symbolism.
The way the Claddagh ring is worn tells the world how love stands in the heart of the ring bearer.
- Worn on the right hand with the heart facing out, the Claddagh ring says that the ring bearer's heart is not yet won.
- Worn on the right hand with the heart facing in, it tells the world that the ring bearer is under love's spell and the two lovers have become engaged.
- Worn on the left hand with the heart facing in, it shows the world that the ring bearer's love has finally found a home in marriage.
Throughout Claddagh history, the ring has been handed down from mother to daughter with the saying, "With these hands I give you my heart and I crown it with my love." There is no traditional age when the ring is supposed to be handed down. Each mother determines when her own daughter is ready for this special family heirloom.
I have a claddagh ring and necklace.....
as well as hand towels, mugs, and even a small wool rug! Here is a photo of the claddagh rug we have on the staircase...I see it every morning as I walk downstairs to the kitchen to start my day~
I leave it out year-round, not just near St. Patrick's Day! I want my family to see the pretty pink heart and loving hands, topped with a crown...it is a subtle message, and symbol of the affection and loyalty we share.
Sharing this post with~
Pink Saturday
this is so nice, I love the symbolism of it <3
ReplyDeleteI love your rug! I haven't seen one like that. Great post. It's a symbol folks see but don't know what it means! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteRuth
Even though my family is Irish, I didn't know about the tradition that mothers give a claddagh ring to their daughters. I may start that with my daughter. (I love your rug!)
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Eilis
my-heart-lives-here.blogspot.com
I was born in Ireland had have several Claddagh rings and love the symbolism behind it. Friends of ours have Claddagh wedding rings.
ReplyDeleteI learned something new today! Never knew our Claddagh pub was named with a crown and this symbol in mind! Happy March! -- jeanie from Marmelade Gypsy
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interesting back ground. How do you pronounce claddagh? I know it is seldom how it looks?
ReplyDeleteWe use to think my husband was German...but then we did a little digging and he is actually Irish {well mixed, but aren't we all at some point}
May the luck of the Irish be with you too!!
Such a wonderful tradition. My husband bought me Irish heart pins, but not with the hands and crown. Happy Pink Saturday!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful symbol! and so pretty too. thanks for this post.
ReplyDeletelove
jutta
ps: love your rug!
Oh thanks for the history on what the symbol means. I am part Irish but never knew that. I love the symbol too!
ReplyDeleteHow I love this post, Shawn! You educate your readers on so many topics, and it is a JOY to follow your blog! Happy St. Patrick's Day Hugs to YOU!
ReplyDeleteI love this post too! I am 1/2 Irish (my dad's side) and we always celebrated St. Patrick's Day and everything Irish at our home. I have a Claddagh necklace given to me by my friend who purchased it when she visited ireland! Your posts are always filled with wonderful information!
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