Something Interesting...

I just wanted to share something interesting today...not really spiritual, but just something interesting! For my 13th birthday, my parents gave me a Claddagh Ring as my purity ring (a promise to keep myself pure for my future husband), but anyway, I was curious to see what the ring meant and how you should wear it. Well here it is...

"The Legend of the Claddagh Ring is the story of the mystical and beautiful Claddagh Ring. First told over 300 years ago in the ancient fishing village of the Claddagh, outside the walls of the City of Galway on the west coast of Ireland.Passed down through the generations, this romantic story centres on a man named Richard Joyce and the ring he created.

Legend has it that shortly before he was due to be married, a fisherman Richard Joyce was captured at sea by pirates and sold into slavery in Algeria. He became the property of a rich Moorish goldsmith, who sensing his potential began to train him in his craft. In time Richard Joyce became a fully proficient master craftsman and with thoughts of the girl he had left behind close to his heart, he fashioned the first Claddagh Ring. The heart symbolising love, the pair of hands representing friendship and the crown for loyalty and fidelity.

In 1698 after an agreement with King George III to release all his subjects held in slavery, Richard Joyce found himself once more a free man. His master, who had by now grown very fond of him offered his only daughter in marriage and half his wealth, if he would remain in Algiers, but Joyce declined and returned home to Galway.There he found that his sweetheart had waited for his return, and presenting her with the Claddagh Ring they were married."

As read from TheCladdagh.com

Then after reading the story...I wanted to learn how to wear my ring properly:

"How To Wear The Claddagh Ring"
"Claddagh rings were originally worn in the village of The Claddagh in Galway, Ireland and their traditional purpose was to show marital status.
If one was courting, the claddagh ring would be worn on the right hand with the heart facing outwards.
Once a betrothal had been decided the claddagh ring would be turned so the heart faced inwards.
Upon marriage, the claddagh ring worn on the left hand with the heart turned inwards, would serve as a wedding ring.
Over time the poupularity of the claddagh design grew and now, people around the world wear the claddagh ring and gift to friends and those they hold dear the age old message of Love, Friendship & Loyalty."

As read from theCladdagh.com

I thought that I would share that little bit of information. Okay, I am a romantic at heart. I loved the story behind my ring! Hope ya'll enjoyed!