I value more things than I thought when I first saw this daily writing response. First, it is not a belonging, but more a gift! And that is the relationship with my absolute best friend, best friend, and lover; he also happens to be my hubby! I love that he challenges me when I get scared through years and years of trauma. My safe response is “FREEZE.” Only move once things appear to be safe! Now keep in mind that most of the time, he is utterly patient while I work through my processes. Keep in mind he is a very spicy man! He pushed me to take a trip I had dreamed about. Tiny clue… You see, it has always been my dream to be able to write, write professionally. Get paid to dream. Why are people not knocking down walls to get these jobs? I want to sit under a tree or any location that tickles my fancy really and blast out my writing thoughts! I am the kind of girl that dreams of forever and want to be able to scatter the world with my forest of words. The words that spring to life and inspire me. To explore history, to make the world a better place, and to be a better human. To inspire more, sparkle more.
The next belonging I treasure is … my great Aunt’s mother’s and father’s wedding rings. My great Aunt made it into a broach, and I love it beyond words. How she designed it, felt inspired by Scottish or Welsh traditions. The Claddaugh is a big deal to me; I have an entire sidepiece tattoo with a Claddaugh. It is profound if you know the meaning and story behind the Claddaugh. You see, this Irish man was sold into slavery. Have you heard this story from me? He was sold into slavery (eh hem! That’s right, Scottish, Welsh, and Irish were also enslaved) and ripped from the love of his life. He is sold to a jewelry maker and taught the trade. He becomes so loved by his owner that the slaveowner offers his daughter half of his wealth if he stays. The man had his one true love forged in his mind and unwaveringly asked to return to where she awaited him. That is the kind of love we all dream of, right?
P.S. Here is the story in case you missed it the first time. Cuddles!
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 Claddaugh 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 Claddaugh Ring. The heart symbolizes love, the pair of hands represents 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 Claddaugh Ring, and the two were married.
The Claddaugh Ring merges Fede Rings’ basic ‘clasped hand design with a heart and a crown signifying Love, Friendship, and Loyalty or Fidelity. Today, a Claddaugh is carried among the family with great pride as family heirlooms are 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 Claddaugh 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 in 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 