[Woodcarver] claddagh symbolism

[sally nye]

Thank you, Maura.  I appreciate you taking the time to type the story.  
I never heard it before.  It's nice.
Sally
http://www.geocities.com/fancarving/home.html

On Jun 5, 2004, at 3:15 PM, Linehan718 at aol.com wrote:

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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