The Claddagh Symbol
Not far past the cobbled streets of Galway City, Ireland, across the Wolfe Tone Bridge and upon the stretches of Galway Bay, lies the Claddagh. Remarkably, the story of the Claddagh will likely be carried into posterity by the ring that bears its name.
The celebrated Claddagh ring, as we know it today, stands as a monument to love and friendship. The design is striking and unmistakable, two hands joined together (symbolizing friendship) to support a single heart (symbolizing love), and upon it a crown (symbolizing loyalty). Its motto, not surprisingly, is 'let love and friendship reign'. Traditionally, the rings can be worn in two different manners, all declaring a different status in the quest for love. When worn on the right hand with the heart facing outward toward the nail, the ring signifies one whose heart is free. When the heart is facing inward, toward the knuckle of the right hand, it indicates that the heart is no longer available.
