Claddagh Irish Wedding Ring History and Facts

The exchanging of rings during the holy matrimony carries many significance meanings. To some, the circular shape of the ring, which has no starting and ending point, symbolizes a couple’s eternal love and pledge to each other.

But others prefer to appreciate its great value and the sturdiness of the metal used to build the ring. This is due to the fact that many couples regard their marriage as love that is sustainable and strong, just like the ring.

In addition to the above, these rings have some conventional meanings too. One example is the symbolic meanings from Ireland. During the Irish wedding ceremony, the couples exchange Claddagh Irish wedding rings.

History of the Claddagh Irish Ring
The history of the Claddagh Irish wedding ring goes back as far as the start of the 17th century. According to Irish legend, Richard Joyce, a goldsmith who was from the village of Galway in Ireland, was in love with a young lady in the village. They were engaged to be married. However, Joyce’s work required him to travel to far away places leaving his beloved behind.

It seemed that while he was traveling to the West Indies, Joyce was captured by the Moors. Later on, he was sold to an Algerian goldsmith where he was able to utilize his expertise. Subsequently, through diplomatic ties, Joyce’s delivery from slavery was realized. Yet the Algerian goldsmith soon discovered that Joyce possessed a unique talent and offered his daughter in marriage if Joyce were to stay and work with him. The Algerian goldsmith offered a huge amount of dowry too.

Being a committed lover, Joyce rejected the offer and traveled back to the lady he promised to marry in Galway. He finally married his fiancée who had been waiting patiently for his return all this while.

Joyce had made a ring while he was separated from his beloved and he used it for the wedding ceremony. This was the original Claddagh Irish wedding ring. Claddagh was once a tiny fishing village that was situated not far from Galway.

The Claddagh Irish wedding ring has its rich attributes. This ring consists of a band of precious metal that contains a single heart, which sits between two hands. Over the heart lies a crown. Also, it has strands that was woven together and touch the distal ends of the hand before surrounding the entire band.

This strands that was woven together represents the couple’s union with each other. The hands that are put together symbolize their relationship. The heart, which is at the center of the Claddagh Irish wedding ring, tells of the love shared by the couple. Last but not least is the crown that lies over the heart, which symbolizes eternity.

         

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