Conference tallis::celt

201.0. "Those Claddagh rings..." by TALLIS::DARCY (Which way do I go for Mizen Head?) Wed May 20 1987 13:03

From:	ASHBY::USENET  "USENET Newsgroup Distributor  19-May-1987 2218" 19-MAY-1987 22:22
To:	@[.soc.culture.celtic]NEWS.DIS
Subj:	USENET soc.culture.celtic newsgroup articles

Newsgroups: soc.culture.celtic
Path: decwrl!ucbvax!husc6!cmcl2!philabs!dml
Subject: Re: Irish Legends.
Posted: 18 May 87 17:45:17 GMT
Organization: Philips Laboratories, Briarcliff Manor, NY.
 
The following blurb on the Claddagh came with a ring I bought for my
wife a few years ago in Galway. 
 
The Claddagh is believed to have originated in connection with the small
fishing village of the Claddagh outside the walls of Galway, divided from
Galway by the corrib river. A few hundred years ago the "wild Irish"
were not too welcome within the walls of Galway, and lived outside in the
Claddagh. The inhabitants of the Claddagh were forbidden to use spade or hoe.
They were ruled by a periodically elected "King" who was the only person
allowed to have a white sail on his fishing hooker.
 
The design of the ring is supposed to represent: "Let love and friendship
reign" (love=heart,friendship=clasped hands, reign=crown). It was used as a
wedding ring by the people of the Claddagh for over 400 years.
There are two tales of its origin (at least).
In both, the ring is intimately connected with one of the so called "tribes"
of Galway, the Joyces.
 
tale #1: some hundreds of years ago, one Margaret Joyce married a wealthy
spaniard, Domingo de Rona. After a while he died and left her all his money.
She used this money to build bridges throughout Connaught (area north of
corrib, perhaps up as far as Castlebar, and west of Shannon). In payment
for this altruistic service, an eagle is said to have deposited a golden
Claddagh ring onto her lab. Marge is later said to have married Oliver
Og Ffrench, Lord mayor of Galway.
 
tale #2: A certain Richard Joyce of Galway was captured by Algerian Corsairs
on the way to the West Indies. He was sold as a slave to a Moorish Goldsmith,
who trained him. He was released at the Request of  William III, and retired
to Galway where he took up trade as a Goldsmith. This might be factual since
evidence of his work is still around. He is said to have designed the Claddagh
Ring.
 
The promenence of the Claddag Ring may be due to several facts about it:
--it's the only ring strongly connected with Ireland.
--Queen Victoria wore one.
--As did Queen Alexandra and Edward the 7th.
 
These latter two rings were made by Dillons of Galway, who were granted the
royal patent for the ring (such things were important in Galway!) There are
several versions of the Claddagh, Dillons claim their's as the only true one.
 
There is also some story about why a single woman needs to wear the ring
with the crown pointing down, whereas a married  woman needs to wear it with
the crown pointing up. I was disappointed to find that this was not contain
in the "product literature" when I bought the ring.
 
	hope this helps,
				Damian.
				Damian.

>< Note 201.0 by TALLIS::DARCY "Which way do I go for Mizen Head?" >
>                          -< Those Claddagh rings... >-
> 
>There is also some story about why a single woman needs to wear the ring
>with the crown pointing down, whereas a married  woman needs to wear it with
>the crown pointing up. I was disappointed to find that this was not contain
>in the "product literature" when I bought the ring.


Right hand, point of the heart facing outwards: Woman is not "spoken for"

Right hand, point of the heart facing inwards: Woman IS "spoken for"

Left hand, point of the heart facing outwards: Woman is betrothed.

Left hand, point of the heart facing intwards: Woman is Married.



Regards,
Mike

    
    
    What about the rules for men?  Do the same one apply?!
    
    JO'R

    
    
      Does anyone have a mailing address for Dillons in Gallway? My
    brother is getting married in the Fall and would like to order a
    ring from them. Any help would be appreciated.
    
      thanks
      Ed V.

    
    
    	Dillon, 1 William Street, Galway.
    
    	Original manufactures of the Claddagh Ring, Established 1750.
    
    	First Claddagh Ring made by Richard Joyce in Dillons.
    
    
    	(And I bet Dave Keating can even provide the telephone number)  :-)
    
    
    
    	keVin
    

.5�    	(And I bet Dave Keating can even provide the telephone number)  :-)

    Ed and Kev...I'll gone one better...give me the details and I'll
    personally order it for you.
    
    - Dave K.

    
      Thanks for the offer and quick replies. I call him and get some
    details. I'll follow this up with mail Dave.
    
    Ed V. (who bought his at Dillons in 1982)