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Let Love and Friendship Reign Forever

Most people have probably seen the traditional Irish Claddagh ring, but how many actually know what it means and where it started? The name comes from the village of Claddagh, a fishing village that is just outside the city of Galway. It was here that the design and the customs associated with the ring originated in the 17th century during the reign of William and Mary. In medieval and Renaissance Europe, clasped hands, as seen in the Claddagh, symbolized the pledging of vows. This imaged appeared in many marriage rings, or “fede rings,” of the time. Fede comes from the Italian phrase ‘mani in fede’ which means “hands joined in faith” or “hands joined in loyalty.” Each part of the Claddagh has a specific meaning. The hands represent friendship, the heart love and the crown loyalty. Where and how the ring is worn can signify different stages of a person’s relationship status: 1) If the ring is worn on the right ring finger with the heart pointing out, the wearer is single 2) If the ring is worn on the right ring finger with the heart pointing in, the wearer is romantically involved 3) If the ring is worn on the left ring finger, the person is either married or engaged. The meaning has been summarized as “Let Love and Friendship Reign Forever.”