Claddagh

08 Feb 2007

Most people know what kind of ring this is, and what it's all about. But for those of you who don't I'll try to give you the brief rundown.

It's called a Claddagh (pronounced klahdah) and it's a very Irish ring. Most people know it as a friendship ring, but I've heard of it being used as a wedding ring. Either way, the symbology holds true; the hands represent friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty.

Wear it with the heart facing inward and the crown protects your heart from advances - meaning you're taken. Wear it with the heart facing outward and you're open to advances. Some people get into the detail of which hand it's on saying right hand means you're taken/available as I just said, but left hand means you're happily/unhappily married... To be honest, I don't subscribe to the hand nonsense.

When I've had a few drinks and I want wanted to impress a bird, I'll I'd babble the legend behind the ring, but I think the last person I told that to was H, so go read it on Wiki (4th paragraph is the version I tell told, and no I didn't write the Wiki entry).

Mine's a bit battered and worn because it's been with me through a lot of love and heartache. But (touch wood) it's still going strong 14 years after I paid £15 for it from the jewellery cart bloke on College Green.

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