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The Claddagh is a traditional Irish symbol consisting of 2 hands holding a heart with a crown representing love, friendship, and loyalty. There are a few different stories about how the Claddagh came to be. One story tells of a prince who fell in love with a maid. To convince her father that his intentions were pure, he designed a ring representing love, loyalty and friendship. When the father learned of this, he gave his blessing.
A second story mentions Margaret Joyce, who married a Spanish merchant and moved to Spain. He soon died leaving her a large sum of money. She returned to Ireland, married the mayor of Galway, & funded the construction of bridges in Connacht. As a reward for her charity, an eagle dropped a Claddagh ring into her lap.
A third, and possibly more realistic story, involves Robert Joyce from Galway. He headed to the West Indies to work, intending to marry upon his return. His ship was captured and he was sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith. His new master trained him in his craft. When William III became king and demanded that all British prisoners be released, Joyce was set free. The goldsmith offered Joyce his daughter and half of his wealth if he would stay. Joyce refused and returned home. During his time with the Moors, he had forged a ring as a symbol of his love. He gave the ring to his love and they were married.
The way that a Claddagh ring is worn portrays a meaning. If worn on the right hand with the heart facing outward, the person is single. When worn on the right hand with the heart facing inward, the person is in a relationship. If worn on the left hand ring finger facing outward, the wearer is engaged. On the left hand ring finger facing inward, the person is married.
We currently have a few Claddagh pendants in stock as well as many other beautiful Celtic Jewellery items.
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Video Clip
The Discovery Channel's "How its Made" did an episode on Bagpipes:
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Scottish TriviaWhitefriar Street Church in Dublin is believed to hold the remains of St Valentine, said to be several bones with some blood in a sealed container that has never been opened. Blessed St. John Duns Scotus in Glasgow, the Church of St. Praxedes in Rome, the Stephansdom in Vienna, & Roquemaure in France all hold relics, often just pieces or scrapings of bones. In 1999, it was claimed that the St. Francis' Church in Glasgow held the "real" remains of St Valentine and it was suggested that DNA testing should be done to determine which were the true remains. However, since there is nothing to compare the results to, a DNA test would be useless.
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Scottish Humour Mary was taking a nap on Valentine's Day afternoon. After she woke, she told her husband Paddy, "I just dreamed that you gave me a gorgeous expensive diamond necklace for Valentine's Day! What do you think it means?" "You'll know tonight," he said.
That evening, Paddy came home with a small package for her. Thrilled, Mary opened it and found a book titled "The Meaning of Dreams."
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