After some time, Richard was able to escape, or was set free, and returned to Ireland, where he was overwhelmed by the love and fidelity of Margaret and thus presented her with the first Claddagh ring.Ī gold Claddagh ring. He was eventually sold to a Moorish goldsmith who saw his skills and helped him become a master goldsmith. Richard was a fisherman from Claddagh who was captured by Spanish pirates and sold into slavery in Algeria. The most popular legendary story of the first Claddagh ring tells the tale of Richard Joyce and his patient lover, Margaret. Is Celtic Birdlip Grave the Final Resting Place of Queen Boudicca?.Research Decodes Ancient Celtic Astronomy Symbols and Links them to Jungian Archetypes.Due to the meanings behind the symbols, these rings became associated with engagement and marriage.Ĭladdagh rings are one example of the ancient Roman ring category called fede rings, shorthand for mani in fede which means ‘hands joined in fidelity.’ Like modern wedding rings, these were considered tangible symbols of promises of friendship or love. Claddagh rings, as they appear today, first became popular in the 17th century. This symbol has been applied to many items, but one of the most popular is its use on rings. The design of the Claddagh arose in an old fishing village of the same name that was once located outside the walls of Galway. The hands symbolize friendship, the crown symbolizes loyalty, and the heart symbolizes love which is not affected by time. The Claddagh symbol has a triple meaning. The Claddagh Ring: A Tale of Love and Fidelity The meanings of symbols such as the Claddagh, Crann Bethadh, Triquetra, and Triskelion have lived on thanks to bards and storytellers maintaining historical pride and passing it from one generation to the next. Irish and Celtic symbols reflect ancient beliefs and traditions and were believed to influence lives.

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