[Woodcarver] claddagh symbolism

[Linehan718 at aol.com]

The story began about 5 centuries ago in the fishing village of Claddagh, 
just outside the city of Galway. 

Many of them from the village would each day go to the sea, just as they do 
today, to catch food for their families and others in the village. It was 
dangerous to go out into the bay, some days the sea was high. Other days the 
current was strong. But worst of all, some days, there were pirates. 

One fateful day, a young man was at sea with other men from his family in 
their small boat when suddenly a Spanish pirate ship appeared. The men knew they 
were doomed. The pirates captured the men from Claddagh and brought them to 
the far off North Coast of Africa and sold them into slavery for what would 
surely be the rest of their lives. 

But the story can't end there... 

Richard, the youngest of those captured, was the most distraught. All men had 
left loved ones behind, however, Richard had only just come to know what true 
love was, and now, to have it stole away! Well, the years passed. Some of the 
men died. Others accepted their fate. But young Richard yearned each day as 
he toiled in slavery to return to his village and his beloved far away. Each 
day he stole a small speck of gold from his wretched Masters goldsmith shop 
where he was forced to tend the fires. And after a number of years, he was finally 
able to fashion a ring. He hoped and prayed that someday he would be able to 
bring the ring to his true love. It is not really know now whether young 
Richard escaped or earned his release from slavery. In any case, the day finally 
came and Richard began his long journey to the island in the North Atlantic 
known to us as Ireland and to Richard as home. 

When Richard finally completed his journey he was overjoyed to learn that 
love was true and that his Colleen had prayed and waited faithfully for his 
return. It was on this day that he ring that now is known in every corner of the 
world as the Claddagh Ring, for there is no sentiment more beautiful than the 
one Richard carried home with him in his heart and we celebrate in jewelry of 
all types. 
The Claddagh Ring originated in the Claddagh fishing village near Galway City 
in the West of Ireland.

The ring shows two hands (representing friendship) presenting a heart 
(representing love) adorned by a crown (representing loyalty) and it is thus the 
traditional Irish wedding band.

The ring became popular outside the Claddagh about the middle of the last 
century, especially as it was claimed to be the only ring made in Ireland ever to 
be worn by Queen Victoria and later King Edward VII. 


The Significance of the Claddagh Ring ...
It is not right for a Claddagh person to buy a ring - they must obtain it as 
a gift.

When the Claddagh (also spelled Claddah) ring is worn on the right hand, 
crown turned inwards, your heart is yet unoccupied. 

When it is worn on the right hand, crown turned outwards, shows a special 
commitment to someone. 

When it is worn on the left hand, crown outwards, let our love and friendship 
reign forever - never to be separated


Maura carvin' in nyc
http://www.picturetrail.com/whiteknight718
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://six.pairlist.net/pipermail/woodcarver/attachments/20040605/178f1d89/attachment.htm