Happy St Patrick's Day to everyone who, like me, has a connection with Ireland.
If you ask who St Patrick is and what his contribution to Ireland was, the most usual answer is that he 'drove the snakes out of Ireland'. Just a legend of course. He's also credited with using the shamrock's three leaves as an illustration of the Holy Trinity and a slightly lesser known one which has him preaching around Ireland carrying an ash wood walking stick, which, on one occasion he stuck into the earth while he was preaching to a congregation, who took so long to assimilate his message that the stick grew into an Ash tree. This place is now called Aspatria (Ash of Patrick)
But actually my post is to focus on another Irish character who left behind a more tangible legend in the shape of the Claddagh ring. Lots of people own one, my husband and I included, as we wear them as wedding rings.
It's said that The original Claddagh Rings have been dated back to the 17th century. from the little village of Claddagh in County Galway. There are several stories that claim the origin of the ring, but this is the most popular (and possibly most plausible).
It is said that Richard Joyce was a silversmith working in the 1700’s. His initials (maker’s mark) are on the earliest known surviving Claddagh ring.
The story goes that Joyce was captured by Algerians and sold on as an indentured apprentice to a Moorish goldsmith. The goldsmith needed an apprentice and noticing that Joyce seemed to possess talent, he taught him the trade.
In 1689, Joyce was released when William III sent an ambassador to Algeria to demand the release of all British subjects. Upon hearing this, his captor offered Joyce half of his wealth and his only daughter in marriage to remain in Algeria.
Joyce declined the offer, eager to return to his native Galway. On returning to Galway, Joyce quickly established himself as a goldsmith. It was during this time, he's thought to have created the first Claddagh ring. (It's pictured above in case you aren't familiar with the design)
These are the ways to wear one.
Right hand with the point of the heart facing towards the hand: The heart is turned in towards the wearer meaning their heart is taken and they are in a relationship.
Right hand with the point of the heart away from the hand: The heart is turned out away from the wearer meaning their heart is open to love and they are not in a relationship.
Left hand with the point of the heart pointing away from hand: the wearer is engaged or in a lifelong partnership.
Left hand with the point of the heart pointing to the hand: the wearer is married!
Well, that's the tradition. Of course you can wear your Claddagh in any way you choose! And nowadays the symbols of the Claddagh turn up in all sorts of pieces of jewellery.
Hi Sue. Thanks for sharing that lovely post with us , unfortunately I have no link to Ireland other than going to watch them play in the 1994 World cup in the USA and have stuck with them ever since . So Happy St Patrick's Day to you and everyone out there . Clive x 🤗
Thank you Clive and what's lovely about the `irish is that if you identify with us we"ll take you to our hearts. Definite contenders as one of the friendliest lot of people on earth. I can only claim half an Irish heritage through my dad and I'm glad he always taught me to be proud of that heritage!
I have an uncle Patrick who is from Dublin originally and his 2 daughters are spoilt brats!
One day we had gone to the park to see the ducks and one of his daughters had been chasing the ducks and uncle Patrick had said to her not to chase the ducks and she had ignored him and had carried on!
Thats the same one that demanded Nana get her a pizza without please or thank you.
in reply to
Oh dear Catfirl1976, those children do seem to be the black sheep in the family. I do hope it's not due to their Irish heritage! 😊
When we were kids they had one each of everything because they couldn't share which was down to aunty pat spoiling them!
Uncle Patrick would make up lies in order not to visit Nana and Grandpa claiming he was painting and decorating at home but no he wasn't he was having well earned peace and quiet whilst Pat and the girls were seeing Nana and Grandpa!
Uncle Patrick had done his best to discipline them but wasn't backed up by aunty pat who had shouted at uncle Patrick one day when he had disciplined his eldest as she had pushed my sister off a see saw and aunty pat had shouted at uncle Patrick not to touch her baby not backing him up!
Thing is you support your partner when they discipline a naughty child!
in reply to
Yes, I agree. If you disagree you sort it out when the children are in bed. Lots of love and hugs Lynne xxxx ❤️🤗💜🤗
Yes I agree Catgirl1976. Solidarity is really important when raising children.
Very interesting Sue and what a beautiful ring to have as your wedding ring. I like the description where if the arrow points a certain way your heart is taken etc.
Thank you and happy St Patrick's Day.
Alicia 🌈😊🙏
Absolutely Mydexter, Welsh people are lovely and I've got to concede, have the best national anthem in the world (but Ireland's comes a close second!)
in reply to
Yes, I've got to agree on that one. Welsh people are lovely and so are the Irish. Welsh National Anthem is the best!! Lots of love and hugs Lynne xxxx ❤️🤗💜🤗
Beautiful ,Sue. Very interesting. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you and whoever else is Irish🍀🍀🍀
That was so interesting to read the full history of the Claddagh ring. I’m half Irish on my father’s side of the family. We had planned to have a holiday in Ireland in June this year, but the holiday was cancelled this morning. Phoned up my cousin in Ireland 🇮🇪 to tell her as we had planned to meet up. I’m having a glass of 0.5% cider 🍺
Oh that's sad Rosepetal60 and disappointing for both you and your cousin, but another opportunity will come along in future, I'm sure. Several years ago I found new family in Ireland and had just started to make arrangements to go and meet up with them when the pandemic started, so I know how it feels to have it cancelled.I too am what I suppose is usually called 'half Irish', but that's daft when you think about it because I never think of myself as 'half English'. I'm Irish and I'm English. I just happen to have lived in England, not Ireland. 😀
This is true. And according the latest DNA updates, I am now 53% Irish ☘️ And it shows the areas which fit in with some of the info I have on Family tree. I do have a feeling of being drawn to Ireland. Yes, will hope we can make it next year. My cousin (don’t know what number) is in her ? late eighties +. We share the same Grandparents.
When you get there Rosepetal60 you will feel that your roots have claimed you. I felt such a strong feeling of love and belonging. It's worth waiting for! 🙏🍀🌸
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Happy Valentines Day😀
Happy Wednesday!!! What is your philosophy?😊❤️☀️☮️☯️🌻🧘🏻♀️🌈🙏
Complete happiness 💕 and some BAD jokes 🙂