The legend of the Claddagh is a true love story written across the sands of time that has become synonymous with the legend of the Claddagh and its symbolism. The story is of a fisherman, Richard Joyce, and the ring he created.
Pirates captured the fisherman at sea and sold him into slavery in Algeria.
Richard became the property of a wealthy goldsmith who began to train Richard in his craft. In time Richard became a master goldsmith. Richard pined away with thoughts of the girl who had captured his heart. Richard began to forge the first Claddagh Ring. The heart symbolizes love, the pair of hands represent friendship, and the crown for loyalty and fidelity.
In 1689 after an agreement with King William III to release all his subjects held in slavery, Richard found himself once more a free man.
His master, who was very fond of Richard, offered his only daughter in marriage and half his wealth if he would remain. Richard declined and returned home to Galway.
Richard found his sweetheart had waited for him to return, whereby he presented her with the Claddagh Ring, and the two were married.
The Claddagh Ring merges Fede Rings’ basic ‘clasped hand design with a heart and a crown signifying Love, Friendship, and Loyalty or Fidelity. Today, a Claddagh is carried among the family with great pride as family heirlooms passed lovingly down from mother to daughter on her wedding day. The design and the story are famous internationally! The ring, once bestowed, is as follows: right hand-worn facing inward, symbolizing that the heart, love, connection, and loyalty are given to another. If the Claddagh right hand is turned outward, not taken and free. The point of the heart points outward from the hand on the left hand: the wearer is engaged or lifelong partnership. Left hand with the point of the heart pointing to the hand: the wearer is married!
The history of the Fede or “Faith rings” dates from Roman times and were popular in the Middle Ages throughout Europe. They are distinctive in that the bezel is cut or cast to form two clasped hands that symbolize faith and trust. #historymysteries
Forest of Words 