Claddagh Rings - Facts and Legends
Claddagh Rings - Facts and Legends
Several stories have grown up around the mystique of Claddagh rings. Some are obvious legends due to the mystical nature of the tales, yet all have some elements that are probably true or that can be confirmed by known records or facts. Part of the fun of wearing these rings dating back to the mid 1700s is choosing which version of the origin of Claddagh rings will you tell. The popularity of the rings today cannot be disputed. They are given as friendship rings, as engagement rings and even worn as wedding rings.
Richard Joyce
The connection with Richard Joyce as the originator of the Claddagh ring is probably the most likely and contains the fewest components that are unlikely at best. Young Joyce fell in love with a fellow villager in the fishing community of Claddagh and set sail to the West Indies to seek his fortune so as to be able to afford to marry. On the way, he and his ship were captured by pirates and he was carried into slavery in Algiers where he learned the jewelry trade. While there, he created the Claddagh ring to commemorate his love. Later released, he returned to his true love and presented her with the ring. They married and lived happily ever after.
Margaret Joyce
The Margaret Joyce story is still fairly plausible. She was said to be the widow of a wealthy Spaniard who left her his fortune. The Irish member of the Joyce clan returned to her home grounds where she later met and married the mayor of Galway. The woman used her considerable fortune doing charitable works and helping to upgrade the infrastructure of the area. She was much loved by neighbors and residents. The remaining feature of this Claddagh ring legend becomes a little less believable, because it states that-- in recognition of her good works--an eagle flew over and dropped the Claddagh ring in her lap.
The Prince and the Peasant
A third popular legend is that of a prince who fell in love with a commoner and went to her father to ask for her hand in marriage. The father believed that the prince had intentions that were less than honorable and refused to approve. The prince then commissioned the ring for the girl and explained the lovely symbolism in the Claddagh ring. When the father heard these sentiments expressed, he approved the marriage. The Claddagh ring became a wedding ring for the happy couple.
Common Themes
Regardless of the source of the legend or how popular it has become, the legends of the Claddagh ring have common themes. The concept of being true or loyal to a commitment is often mentioned. However, the commitment in the case of most of the legends is to remaining true to one's love. The Richard Joyce legend for example reflects a fourteen year separation during which he had no reason to think that he would ever see his lady love again. The woman in question had no way to know that he was even alive, yet she remained loyal to his memory.
Claddagh Rings are a culture cornerstone of Irish History. Enhance your education about Irish Claddagh Rings at Irish Indeed.
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What is a Claddagh Ring?
Although there are many Celtic designs used in making jewelry, one of the most interesting and popular is the Claddagh This design most often used for rings is named after a small fishing which was located to the west of Galway, Ireland just outside the city walls
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