I am really interested in buying a claddagh ring, however I am not Irish. I love the ring because of it's symbolism. Is this still a good idea to buy the ring?
2006-08-20 10:08:56 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
It symbolizes love, friendship, and loyalty. Just so you know. =]
2006-08-20 10:16:26 · update #1
absolutely, in fact i think its smarter to buy something because you believe in what it stands for, not because of heritage, i'm far from irish and still wear a claddagh ring i got years and years ago. go for it hun
2006-08-20 10:14:36 · answer #1 · answered by urmylollipop 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. I am Irish-American and it's a family tradition for a girl to get a Claddagh--has been since before my relatives came over on a boat:) However, my family has lots of other non-Irish traditions, and I always love seeing a kind and meaningful symbol such as the Claddagh present elsewhere. I'm very much Irish looking, but I always find myself looking for meaningful items and symbols from India, even though my own heritage is most important to me. Wearing a Claddagh will start a lot of conversations with friendly folks. Why not start a family tradition of your own, or even just wear it because you like the meaning? I think that is a great reason to wear something.
There's also a great little book about the Claddagh; I think Frank McCourt may have written it. If you're interested, check it out! I bought it for my grandmother as a Christmas present.
2006-08-20 10:17:31 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there,
I'm not even remotely Irish but I wear a claddagh ring, as do several other girls I know. Because it's not really a definitive religious object, there's nothing wrong with wearing one - no more so than wearing a necklace with a sterling silver Celtic knot, which tons of people do. I've only gotten compliments on my ring. Many people I know who wear the ring don't even know about the heart symbolism, and wear it any old way they like. So go for one and enjoy! I love how haunting and strange the hands are, clasping the crowned heart - it's really nice and unique.
2006-08-20 10:18:34 · answer #3 · answered by ghost orchid 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anyone can wear a Claddagh ring. It's symbolism is truly romantic.
Here is the story:
"The Claddagh Ring belongs to a widespread group of finger rings called Fede or "Faith rings" which date from Roman times. They are distinguished by having the bezel cut or cast in the form of two clasped hands, symbolising faith, trust or "plighted troth". Fede rings were popular in the Middle Ages throughout Europe, and there are examples from this time in the National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin. The "Claddagh" ring is a particularly distinctive ring; two hands clasp a heart surmounted by a crown.
"The ring worn on the right hand, crown turned inward tells your heart is yet unoccupied, worn with the crown turned outwards reveals love is being considered. Worn on the left hand the crown turned outward shows all, your heart is truly spoken for. "
2006-08-20 10:16:14 · answer #4 · answered by Bad Kitty! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a great idea to buy a Claddagh ring.
But buy it in Galway. As you may or may not know, the Claddagh is an area in Galway.
Go to Ireland, visit Galway, drink in a few old pubs, listen to some traditional Irishg music then, and only then, buy a Claddagh ring.
2006-08-20 10:24:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Claddagh design spread all over the world during the Great Famine, so it's hardly proprietary to the Irish. And as they say, there are two kinds of people, the Irish, and those who wish they were.
2006-08-20 10:17:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I agree with you, I think they are cool because of the symbolism. There is no reason not to get one just because you are not Irish...who knows mabey you are a little Irish? It does not matter if you are or are not Irish. Go ahead, get it and enjoy it and all it symbolizes.
2006-08-20 10:18:56 · answer #7 · answered by bmoolb 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, i'm german and have one. what matters about the claddagh ring is the symbolism i think, and wearing it the right way. if you're irish or not isn't important.
2006-08-20 10:15:06 · answer #8 · answered by nerdyhermione 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sure it is...if you love the ring, it shouldn't matter. I'm a mutt, just a little bit of Irish ancestry. I've had one for years that I always wear...I love it's symbolism, too. (crown=loyalty, heart=love, hands=friendship)
2006-08-20 10:16:14 · answer #9 · answered by redcatt63 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. If the ring and its symbolic resonance hold special significance for you, then absolutely. Besides, you say you're not Irish, but who knows what ancestry your last life held.
2006-08-20 10:15:06 · answer #10 · answered by jennybeanses 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋