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10 Mar 02 - 01:51 AM (#666102) Subject: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: The Celtic Bard What is the correct way to wear a claddagh ring? I was hoping that maybe one of you guys would know the answer to this. I've had several different people tell me several different ways that are the "correct" way to wear a claddagh ring. I've gotten so confused by all the different "right" ways that I don't know what way mean what. Can somebody straigthen it out for me? Thank you. Rebecca <>< |
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10 Mar 02 - 02:24 AM (#666107) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: katlaughing Found this at the Straight Dope Mailbag, for what it's worth: I learned from a couple places that make claddagh rings that when you just want to wear the ring, but aren't attached, it should be on your right hand, with the heart facing outwards (pointing to your fingertip). If you want to wear it as a friendship/engagement ring, then wear it on the same hand but with the heart inwards (just turn the thing around). For a wedding ring, or as the quote goes, "showing two hearts that have joined forever," wear it on the left hand, heart facing inwards. STSTAFFDogster concurred, saying that he's dated a lot of Irish women, and that was how they wore their claddagh rings. And now for the interesting stuff--how the claddagh ring got its name, and what each symbol means. The legend goes that over 300 years ago, in the fishing village of Claddagh (off the west coast of Ireland), a man named Richard Joyce was captured by pirates and sold as a slave to a Turkish goldsmith. After a time Joyce earned his freedom. Having learned a bit of the goldsmith trade, he returned to Claddagh and created the ring. (Some versions of the story add a lady who faithfully waited for her true love while he was away, but since this was primarily told by vendors, I discounted it as a way to sell more jewelry.) Is the entire legend pure bunk? I asked SDSTAFFMcCaffertA, who said: "For what it's worth, a lot of the legend holds together. Joyce is the 'Smith' or 'Jones' of Galway. Being sold into slavery in the Caribbean was a fairly common fate, and the earliest marked rings do seem to be stamped RI. So this stuff might be true. On the other hand, this is but one of a whole series of clasped-hands rings, and the hand-and-heart motif seems to run throughout the whole Celtic fringe: Brittany, Wales, Galicia, etc." As for the symbols of the claddagh, the heart means love, the hands holding the heart mean friendship, and the crown over the heart means loyalty or fidelity. |
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10 Mar 02 - 06:06 AM (#666163) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: Mr Red An Irish girlfriend told me you had to wear it with the sticky-out bits of the hands pointing up the arm towards the heart. But a different girlfriend found that hard to maintain as it dug in. Love hurts I guess. |
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10 Mar 02 - 06:07 AM (#666164) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: Mr Red He said with hand on heart! |
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10 Mar 02 - 09:29 PM (#666646) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: The Celtic Bard Thanks a lot. That helps. Rebecca <>< |
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11 Mar 02 - 12:42 AM (#666706) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: Wincing Devil I had a silver claddagh for an engagement ring. I wore it crown inwards. For the 1st ~seven years of my marriage, I had a diamond cut white and yellow gold ring. (I had tried to talk her into matching claddaghs) I hurt my hand one day, I couldn't get my ring off (which I hadn't taken off since we got married), so we went to a jeweler to get the ring sawed off. I asked for and got a gold claddagh which lasted about 3 years (worn crown outwards). One day I was tapping my ring on my desk and it went >click!<. It had worn thru! I now have a gold nugget style ring and my wife warned me, it's my last wedding ring! Same wife for 18 years, 3 rings! (If this ring goes, I'm definetly going for another claddagh!) |
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11 Mar 02 - 04:12 AM (#666749) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: mooman So far as I can remember:
Right hand/heart inwards: committed/bethrothed/engaged I wear mine (rose gold, craftman made in Spiddal) right hand/heart inwards to prevent wear and tear against my 9 carat wedding ring which already occupied my left hand well before I bought my Claddagh about 17 years ago! Best regards, mooman |
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11 Mar 02 - 04:13 AM (#666751) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: mooman P.S. Ring finger in all cases! mooman |
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11 Mar 02 - 08:38 AM (#666837) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: Big Mick Sorry, mooman, but that ain't so. The ring finger bit is an american addition. I often see Irish ex-pats wearing the ring on other fingers. And the ring is usually silver on them. Not sure of the significance of that, although I read somewhere that silver was used and preferred, for jewellry more often in Ireland than gold. Not sure where I read that or if it was true. The story of Joyce may or may not be accurate. There are several, but his is my favorite. Most of the Irish folks I know indicate to me that the only part of the traditions that have developed that probably are Irish is the bit about heart out = available, heart in = taken. Worn on any finger with the heart in simply indicates taken. Another tradition that appears to be Irish in origin is that the Claddagh ring should always be a gift. As far as the term "claddagh", it is one of the terms in Irish for a group of cottages. I am told that there is a section of Galway City that is referred to as "The Claddagh", although I don't know if that is true. Using it to refer to the ring seems to fit in with the Joyce story of longing for home. Whatever the origins, this ring is one of those traditions that are shared on both sides of the pond, and have become one of the ways that the Irish, and their cousins around the world are able to spot one another. Mick |
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11 Mar 02 - 09:20 AM (#666873) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: mooman Dear Mick, Indeed part of Galway (was once a seaport village just outside the main city) is called Claddagh. I have some interesting history on the origins of the ring which is very much bound up in the history of Claddagh itself at home somewhere and, if I can find it, I'll post it up. P.S. I've only ever seen the Claddagh worn on the ring finger here in Belgium by Irish expats but it may well be different elsewhere I accept. Very best regards, mooman |
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11 Mar 02 - 09:34 AM (#666882) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: Big Mick I just reread my post, mooman. I didn't realize how curt it sounded. Please accept my apologies. Happens when I write on the fly. I would love to read more on this subject. I have a fair amount of material, but I have never found definitive stuff. Most is written from the "there are several theories" kind of viewpoint. I have seen claddagh rings, btw, without the crown. Presumably this was a political statement. I would love to read what you have, my friend. Will you forgive me for an ill thought out post? Regards, Mick |
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11 Mar 02 - 10:34 AM (#666930) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: katlaughing I have a kind of interesting variation, well at least the design was inspired by the claddaugh. Instead of hands on eiher side of a blood-red garnet, there are very graceful open wings of a swan, which hold the stone. It's very beautiful. Odd story: I had a woman freak out one time when we talked about using the claddaugh to symbolise inclusion of Irish culture in a planned event. Evidently she'd been through some horrible abuse and somehow, as she put it, any symbol of a "disembodied heart and hands" would send her up the wall or out of the room. She almost got hysterical before we could calm her down. I was pretty shocked, never thought of it as "disembodied." I guess there's no telling, eh? kat |
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11 Mar 02 - 11:14 AM (#666950) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: Wincing Devil Kat: Doesn't what you say, someone is gonna be offended. An innocous objet d'art to me is a totally offensive symbol of hatred and oppresion to someone else. Look at the never ending battle of the Confederate Flag. (aw-righty-roo everybody, start you flame throwers) (Note: There should be a lovely Irish Flag in my sigblock, but somebody's offended by it!) Wincing Devil
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11 Mar 02 - 11:15 AM (#666953) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: Wincing Devil (Make that Italian!) |
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11 Mar 02 - 12:27 PM (#667017) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: mooman No need for any sort of apology Mick and no offence taken whatsoever! I'll try and find the information I have (probably well-hidden under the various moopiles at home!) and post it up. You are quite right...the original Claddagh had no crown. It was added later under British influence to signify "loyalty to the crown"! For some reason, no-one ever got round to removing it on the design of your average Claddagh ring! Moo |
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11 Mar 02 - 08:17 PM (#667348) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: hobbitwoman Interesting thread! I've been wearing a claddagh for over a year now - it was a gift from my nieces and nephew but I never knew that bit about it should be a gift - it just was. Anyway, I've always worn it on my left hand, heart out, because I could never get used to it on my right, but have felt vaguely "guilty" about that(?). As if I was conveying a message that wasn't quite true! But if Moo's information is correct, then as a widow, I've been wearing it the right way all along! :o) Hey, it was a long day and little things make me happy tonight! :o) Annie |
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12 Mar 02 - 08:08 PM (#667970) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: JennieG I have also seen the gold Claddagh rings with a coloured stone set in the heart - usually emerald. I suppose the jewellery makers think the green stone makes it more "Irish". I haven't seen coloured stones in the silver rings. Cheers JennieG |
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12 Mar 02 - 09:13 PM (#668007) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: hobbitwoman Actually, mine is silver and it has a green stone - very pretty! Not real emerald, though. Annie |
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12 Mar 02 - 10:58 PM (#668063) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: JennieG Sounds lovely Annie! Hey my birthday is in May and my birthstone is emerald - perhaps I could ask for a Claddagh with a green stone (the budget might not run to a real emerald) Cheers JennieG |
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13 Mar 02 - 10:48 PM (#668748) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: hobbitwoman Good idea, Jennie! I hope you get one! Annie |
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21 Aug 03 - 05:15 AM (#1005722) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: GUEST,BGallagher I was told by my husband (pure Scottish on one side and pure Irish on the other) that it is worn heart outward on the right hand as a sign that you are not spoken for, heart outward on the left hand when engaged and heart inward when one is married. He also said that the claddagh should be given as a gift. We both wear claddagh rings as wedding bands and instead of placing the rings on each other's fingers during our wedding ceremony we simply flipped each others rings (it proved a little difficult since our rings didn't want to come off easily due to nerves. I don't think that is tradition, it was more of a personal touch since my hubby is obsessed with his heritage. We also bougt our daughter Shannen a claddagh for her first birthday. I chose one with turquoise in the center as it is a symbolic stone for protection. Brenda |
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21 Aug 03 - 06:10 AM (#1005740) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: McGrath of Harlow I was wondering when Ireland was ever in the Roman Empire, Wincing Devil. (Mind you the Ancient Romans wouldn't have know what to make of an Italian flag either.) Claddagh rings aren't that frequent over here among the Irish in England in my experience. I think it's much more an American Irish thing with some local roots in Ireland that has probably crept back to Ireland to some extent fairly recently. |
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21 Aug 03 - 10:24 AM (#1005861) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: Blackcatter Wouldn't a green stone for the heart signify a Grinch heart? |
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21 Aug 03 - 11:39 AM (#1005893) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: GUEST Mick, I had always heard about being given as a gift. I longed for one for many years. I finally got one about two weeks ago as an anniversary gift from my wife. Right hand, heart in. Our wedding rings have a Claddagh and Celtic knots. |
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21 Aug 03 - 12:14 PM (#1005916) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: GUEST Oops, The above post was from a cookieless me. |
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21 Aug 03 - 01:10 PM (#1005947) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: GUEST,Kim C no cookie I wear mine however it suits me. |
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21 Aug 03 - 01:55 PM (#1005988) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: GUEST,Steve Latimer Hmm, those two mystery posts were from me. I'm not able to reset my cookie. |
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21 Aug 03 - 01:58 PM (#1005991) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: Shonagh "With theses hands I give you my heart and crown it with my love" Dont have a claddagh myself but reading all these posts I think I might just go get one! |
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21 Aug 03 - 02:11 PM (#1006002) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: gnu Anyone got any links to any pictures ? Perhaps all I need is a ring to help me find her. |
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21 Aug 03 - 03:57 PM (#1006053) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: open mike http://www.audreyscollection.com/ http://members.aol.com/plieadesqu/claddaugh.htm http://www.gryphonsmoon.com/ some links |
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22 Aug 03 - 02:06 AM (#1006304) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: Blackcatter Can you wear it through your Prince Albert piercing? (and which direction should the heart point) (and is it ok to wear an Irish ring in a hole named after a German/British royal?) Inquiring minds want to know! |
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17 Jun 08 - 03:21 AM (#2367586) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: GUEST,AliCat Ok I have looked everywhere on the internet for the "right way" to wear a Claddagh Ring. I thought that if you wore it with the crown facing out away from your wrist meant you were taken. Reversed it meant your heat was open. My boyfriend has told me having it face with the crown towards your wrist is the right way for if your heat is taken. If anyone can help me figure this out, please do!! I have visited many websites and been up for hours making a chart and everything to help but nothing is helping me, LOL!!!! Sincerly, AliCat |
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17 Jun 08 - 04:35 AM (#2367610) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: Phil Edwards If wearing it 'heart in' signifies attachment... and if the ring should only ever be received as a gift... then when would anyone ever wear it heart-out? A parting (or dumping) gift from an ex? ("You might be needing this...") A gift from a particularly liberal parent? ("You're a big girl now, get yourself out there!") A gift from a *particularly* liberal lover? ("I wear mine heart-out, look, and actually there's a reason for that...") Perhaps I'm too unimaginative. Or not unimaginative enough... |
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17 Jun 08 - 05:06 AM (#2367626) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: GUEST,erinmaidin uh...what's a Prince Albert piercing? |
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17 Jun 08 - 06:32 PM (#2368268) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: Rowan Only the uncircumcised would know. And their mates, of course. |
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17 Jun 08 - 07:09 PM (#2368295) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: Jack Campin If the inventor got the idea from his Turkish captors, he mutated it a lot. There is a traditional design of Turkish wedding ring which is a bunch of linked rings. It's a puzzle to figure out how to assemble it so it fits on your finger, but a rather easy puzzle. (I used to have one, made of brass). Supposedly the idea was that if a wife took it off for an extramarital fling, she wouldn't be able to work out how to get it back on. Hmmm. |
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18 Jun 08 - 08:15 AM (#2368679) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: GUEST,JTT Claddagh is neither 'off' the Irish coast (pace climate change, eeek) nor just outside the city of Galway. It's right in the centre of the city, opposite the Spanish Arch. The business of putting jewels in the Claddagh ring was never seen, to my knowledge, anyway, until the 1970s or so - the rings were always gold or silver. Here are some pictures of the Claddagh. |
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18 Jun 08 - 08:36 AM (#2368707) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: quokka I have a jumper/pullover/windcheater/ whatever you want to call it (long-sleeved warm piece of clothing) with a Claddagh design on it BUT GET THIS without the heart!!! Apparently MY actual heart is taken as that bit, seeing as the hands and the crown are on the centre of the jumper. (It took me a long time to work this out!) Cheers, Quokka |
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19 Jun 08 - 01:03 AM (#2369565) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: GUEST Reasearch it it on google.. |
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04 Jul 08 - 03:40 PM (#2381173) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: GUEST,a rude American My great grandfather is from Galway, or somewhere small and close to it (his papers, when he came to AMerican, say Galway at least). Anyway I have had 3 claddaghs growing up, I lost the first two, all from my mother, because I thought it was important to have a culture, like all the other kids (Armenian, Iranian, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, etc.). Anyway they were all silver, only because that's what I preferred. My newest one has an emerald heart, because it's my favorite color. INFORMATION ACTUALLY INTERESTING TO OTHERS: In America, just about anyone will buy a claddagh, usually goths, wiccans, or people interested in fantasy, folklore, or Ireland. Some just buy them because they are pretty,or everyone else has them, in other words, they have no idea what a claddagh is, and think the ring is just a fashion statement <-(this makes me sad). I once tried to convince a very insistent girl that it was not pronounced "Cladace" as for the penis piercing dude, I'm not sure a claddagh ring would be appropriate (maybe it's just my bias against genital piercings, though) |
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05 Jul 08 - 02:55 PM (#2381850) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: SharonA Wouldn't a green stone for the heart signify a Grinch heart? Only if it was two sizes too small. :-) |
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20 Feb 09 - 05:30 PM (#2572106) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: GUEST,Alexzandria Oh my gosh I made alot of typo's sorry...^^^ I just got a sterling silver claddagh ring for valentines from my grandmother I have been wanting one since I was 5. I was so excited when I got it but then I found out that there was a special way to wear it so I was trying to find out how to wear it this is what ive found out so far if your single you wear it on wedding finger on the left hand, heart out please tell me if I am mistaken. thanks so much, Alexzandria |
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20 Feb 09 - 07:15 PM (#2572168) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: LilyFestre I have NO idea what the *right* way is to wear a claddagh ring even though I've had one on my right hand for the last 10 years. My ring is gold with the hands clasping a garnet heart and a teeny, tiny diamond resting over the top of that. I love my ring because to me, it symbolizes a very deep friendship with someone who passed away. My left hand (and all the rings) belongs to my husband but the right hand will forever have a place for my best friend. The stones are representative of our birthdays, his in January and mine in April. I wear it with the tip of the heart facing my knuckles. Michelle |
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21 Feb 09 - 01:11 AM (#2572313) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: GUEST Mine is very plain but its beautiful all the same thanks for your help :). -Alexzandria |
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21 Feb 09 - 05:57 PM (#2572712) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: Micca Isn't the correct place and way for a man to wear a Claddagh or other wedding ring through his nose? |
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21 Feb 09 - 07:49 PM (#2572770) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: GUEST,Alexzandria I have never herd of that before. -Alexzandria |
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10 Apr 09 - 07:20 AM (#2608584) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: GUEST,Mary I've had 2 claddagh rings. the first one I had was a silver one from my mom when I was about 10 I think. The one I have now (also from my mom) is silver and has a green heart (my birthstone is an Emerald, but it isn't a real one). I've been wearing it on my left hand, heart in for as long as I've had it (2 years, I think) because I didn't know there was a designated hand and my mom told me that you wear the heart outwards if you've given your heart away. I've been wearing it wrong for a long time, and that's quite embarrasing...lol. I just found out I've been wearing it wrong yesterday. |
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10 Apr 09 - 05:24 PM (#2608887) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: Bonzo3legs I thought Claddagh Rogers was a 1960s singer. |
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14 Dec 09 - 05:06 PM (#2788341) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: GUEST,NJM I have a Claddagh ring that has two symbols facing one direction and another facing the other so when I wear it, two hearts face in and one faces out. Is there some importance to that? Any info helps! Thanks!! |
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12 Aug 10 - 10:11 PM (#2964070) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: GUEST,galway girl it also saddens me that some people just wear the claddagh ring because it pretty or because everyone has one. As i live in australia, i actually dont see them anywhere. my mum, auntie and this girl i know and my self are the only ones iv seen .my claddagh was a 1st birthday gift from my mum and dad when they went to ireland. my dads half irish, and i adore the culture to bits !!. I like that they havent become a novelty in australia yet. but in other countries iv heard that it has lost all its meaning. i used to wear my ring on my right hand with the crown closer to my fingernails ,i have since found that for a single person, that that is the wrong way that the crown should be closer to the knuckles. the left hand with the crown closest to the knuckles is for engagement and the other way on the left hand is for marriage (thats at least what i have found out via the internet). hope this helps xxo |
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13 Aug 10 - 06:19 PM (#2964681) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: skarpi http://www.allcladdagh.com/wedding-bands.htm this is interesting :O) all the best Skarpi |
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13 Aug 10 - 06:50 PM (#2964695) Subject: RE: Help: Right way to wear a claddagh ring? From: *#1 PEASANT* http://mysite.verizon.net/cbladey/claddagh/claddagh.htm Guide to the claddagh ring |
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13 Aug 10 - 06:52 PM (#2964696) Subject: Folklore: All About the Claddagh Ring From: *#1 PEASANT* Every so often I am asked about the Claddagh Ring so here is my research to date. Guide to the claddagh ring To my knowledge there is no Cladagh ring song. Conrad |
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30 Oct 16 - 05:43 PM (#3817299) Subject: RE: my mum bought me a claddagh ring! help From: GUEST,mummysgirl22 My mum bought me a claddagh ring for my birthday and I was wondering should I be wearing it on a certain finger with the heart facing down or up? Cam someone help me please? Thank you |
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31 Oct 16 - 08:40 AM (#3817371) Subject: RE: Folklore: All About the Claddagh Ring From: GUEST Its all in the thread. |
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31 Oct 16 - 08:53 AM (#3817373) Subject: RE: Folklore: All About the Claddagh Ring From: GUEST,Peter Laban 'To my knowledge there is no Cladagh ring song.' The Old Claddagh Ring, sung by martin Vaughan with the Tulla Ceiliband perhaps? |
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31 Oct 16 - 10:14 AM (#3817384) Subject: RE: Folklore: All About the Claddagh Ring From: GUEST,mummysgirl I know there are things in the thread to say how to wear it in certain circumstances but I cant see anything about which finger n which way round to wear it cause my mum got me it. I am autistic and don't understand a lot of what is written here about it so could someone please explain to me a bit more clearly... Thank you. Justine |
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13 Nov 16 - 06:05 AM (#3820279) Subject: RE: Folklore: All About the Claddagh Ring From: freespiritceol1 Re |
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13 Nov 16 - 08:27 PM (#3820403) Subject: RE: Folklore: All About the Claddagh Ring From: Thompson To tell the gods' honest truth, I've never heard any of this stuff about there being different coded meanings to how to wear the Claddagh ring, and suspect they're a makey-uppy by jewellers trying to make sales. I'd instinctively wear it with the point of the heart pointing to my heart, and assume this is how I've unconsciously seen it all my life in Ireland… but maybe my mind is equally making this up. For curiosity, I googled a few Irish actors wearing Claddagh rings, and this seems to be the way they all wear it all right. |
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13 Nov 16 - 08:39 PM (#3820408) Subject: RE: Folklore: All About the Claddagh Ring From: Thompson Oh, and the Romans - no, Ireland was never part of the Roman Empire, though we traded with Rome in a small way; the remains of a trading post were found in Loughshinny in north Dublin and there have, I think, been other recent finds. |
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14 Nov 16 - 09:39 AM (#3820472) Subject: RE: Folklore: All About the Claddagh Ring From: freespiritceol1 A song co written by myself and good friend and proud Breton Lionel Masson. About the Claddagh ring. The full song is on reverbnation on my page free spirit. If you have a listen , I hope you enjoy it. All the best John The ring of Claddagh point to my heart The ring of Claddagh My Love forever The ring of Claddagh love as strong as stone Skin of my skin Bone of my bone. |