Claddagh Rings
Their use in tattoos
The
Claddagh Ring, or Irish wedding band, originated from the Claddagh
village, located just outside the old walls of Galway city.
The Claddagh design, an original symbol of the "Fisher
Kings" of the Galway town of Claddagh, Ireland, was first fashioned
into the traditional ring in the 17th Century during the reign of Mary II.
The
ring's distinctive design features two hands clasping a heart surmounted
by a crown. The elements of this symbol are illustrative of friendship
(the hands), loyalty (the crown) and love (the heart) that are said to
combine in a good marriage.
The
way that a claddagh ring is worn on the hand is usually intended to
convey some indication of the wearer's romantic availability. It is
generally true that if the ring is on the right hand with the heart
facing towards the hand, indicates that the person wearing the ring is
in a serious relationship (his/her heart is closed). A ring worn on the
right hand, with the heart outward, away from the hand, the person
wearing the ring is not in any serious relationship (the heart is open).
A claddagh worn on the left hand with the heart toward the hand
indicates marriage. The other orientation (heart outward) may indicate
being engaged.
The
Irish Famine of 1847-1849 caused many to emigrate from Ireland, and the
Claddagh ring spread along with the emigrants to the United States and
elsewhere.
Today the Claddagh is still worn as a wedding band, but, along with the Celtic Triple Spiral, it is also used in all types of jewelry, and, of course, Tattoos.
Celtic Tattoos
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