The Claddagh Meaning

What is the meaning of the Claddagh? The meaning in an objective sense is from the original motto:  “Love, loyalty, friendship” or, as the designers of the original Claddagh said, “Let love and friendship reign.” The design is emblematic of this sentiment with a heart held by two hands, adorned with a crown. The heart representing love, the crown representing loyalty, and the hands representing friendship.

Yet beyond the definition, the symbol holds a sentiment that is very much attributed to the history surrounding its origin.  This is the ring that countless Irish people have passed down from generation to generation.  That the people of Ireland passed down to their children, and took with them on their voyages to America.  The very ring that their mothers and fathers and grandparents passed down, as a remembrance of the homeland from whence they came.  The Irish Claddagh meaning takes on added significance in each passing generation, as these heirlooms are passed from the hands of parents to children, and the link to Ireland remains in the small gold or silver symbol upon their finger.  And for those who have pledged their love with the Claddagh ring, the meaning holds a significance that goes beyond words, a meaning best expressed by the heart.