Even if you’re not familiar with the story of the Claddagh, you’ve likely seen the symbol of two hands holding a heart under a crown. This is the Claddagh symbol, and it carries a decadent history. Traditionally formed in a gold or silver ring, the Claddagh symbol is often given as a token of love (platonic or romantic). It can also be worn as an engagement or wedding ring. On a basic level, the Claddagh symbolizes friendship (hands), love (heart) and loyalty (crown). However, there is much more behind this symbol than the literal translation of its design elements. The story of its formation is as appealing as its intricate design.
Although there are many different versions, the most widely accepted story of the Claddagh’s origins begins in the 17th century, during the reign of Queen Mary II. According to legend, a young Celt named Richard Joyce left his native land of Galway to pursue work in the West Indies. He left his betrothed love in Galway, promising to return to marry her. During his journey, however, his ship was captured and he was sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith in Algiers. Here, he learned the crafts of metal work and goldsmithing.
After several years, William III ascended the throne as king and demanded that the Moors release all British prisoners. Joyce was freed and the goldsmith, having much respect for him, offered his daughter’s hand in marriage and half his wealth if Joyce would stay in Algiers. Joyce denied his offer, determined to return home and marry his true love. He forged a ring with two hands, a heart and a crown as a symbol of his never-ending love and devotion. Upon his return to Galway, he presented this ring to his true love and they were married.
Celtic jewelry pieces are timeless gifts that carry rich tradition. There are several expressions associated with this design, including “With my two hands I give you my heart, and crown it with my loyalty” and “Let love and friendship reign forever.” Giving a Claddagh ring to someone you care about is the ultimate symbol of your affection.
Steven Forsyth
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When the modern person thinks about Celtic culture thoughts are very general. We think about Claddagh rings and other Celtic jewelry, Irish instruments and songs and the foods that are associated with the Celtic culture. However, there is a much deeper celebration possible for people who are interested in Celtic history. That celebration is the spiritual celebration of the different Celtic myths that are important to the people of this heritage. In particular, Celtic women may be interested in learning about the goddesses of Celtic mythology.
Celtic mythology is interesting because it is a polytheistic mythology. In other words, the Celtic people believed in not just one God but in many different gods. They also believed in the power of women and therefore had numerous goddesses who were celebrated in their culture. Women today who are interested in Celtic mythology may want to study these goddesses to get a true sense of the feminine power residing within Celtic heritage.
The most well-known and oft-celebrated goddesses of Celtic myth is Morrigan, the goddess of both prophecy and war. She is one of the most interesting mythological characters because she doesn’t take the form of a woman but instead takes multiple forms throughout the different tales surrounding her story. Those forms include that of a crow, eel, cow and wolf. Women who want to celebrate this Goddess may seek to get Celtic jewelry that depicts any of these different animals.
Other popular goddesses in Celtic mythology include Brigid (a goddess associated with poetry and healing), Eriu (the goddess of sovereignty) and Epona (a horse-goddess). Any woman who finds herself seeking a Celtic guide may want to learn more about the different myths associated with these goddesses. This can provide a very powerful basis for pagan spirituality for some women. Sure, it’s nice to wear Claddagh rings and other Celtic jewelry, but it’s even better if there’s a bigger meaning behind wearing them. Learning about Celtic myth can help you to find that meaning.
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World Fleadh: Where Celtic Jewelry, Music and Culture Come Together
Anyone who is a fan of Irish and Celtic music will probably already know about World Fleadh. That is because this week-long summer music festival is the world’s leading festival for this type of music. Popular and emerging Irish and Celtic bands come together here to celebrate their heritage and their passion for playing great music. Like any great musical event, this is more than just a place where songs are played. It’s a place where a culture is celebrated. A glance around the grounds of this popular festival will reveal hints of Celtic heritage in everything from the Claddagh rings on so many fingers to the choice of traditional instruments by so many of the bands. World Fleadh is a place where a newcomer to this event can get a great introduction to the style, fashion and sound of the Irish / Celtic music scene.
There are many different types of Irish music, of course. World Fleadh places an emphasis on folk music (both traditional and original) as well as on country music. As you might expect, a lot of this music is lively. It’s the type of music that you want to sing along to and dance along with. The people who come to World Fleadh are eager to participate in these ways. They are also friendly people who are interested in getting to know their neighbors seated near them.
World Fleadh is certainly a place to hear this great music. However, it’s also a place where you can learn a lot about the culture behind the music. For example, there are workshops offered throughout the week at this event. You can learn to make Celtic jewelry (the most popular of which are those Claddagh rings), do traditional Irish folk dances or play a unique instrument. What you’re really learning here isn’t so much how to make Celtic jewelry or do a dance though. It’s really about learning the nature of the camaraderie and joie de vivre of the culture. What you’re learning is how the fashion, the music and the people all go hand-in-hand. World Fleadh is an event for the Irish music lover but people come away from this event with so much more than an appreciation for the music.
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