- According to legend, the original claddagh ring was created in the 17th century by goldsmith Richard Joyce from the fishing town of Claddagh, Ireland. The symbolic piece of jewelry was a token of love from a man to his wife. The ever-popular image of a heart clasped by two joining hands and a crown at the top symbolizes friendship, love and loyalty.
To stay true to the symbolism and personalize the tattoo, add your horoscope symbols to the center of the heart, and your initials inside of the crown, using a traditional Celtic font. Add gemstones to the points of the crown representing you and your partner's birth months and the month you are to be married. - A couple could get matching claddagh ring tattoos; a married couple could get them on their left hands. According to folklore, a claddagh ring worn on the right hand and turned inward announced the heart was yet unoccupied, and when the crown was turned outwards, love was being considered. Wearing the claddagh ring on the left hand with the crown turned outward shows that the heart is already spoken for. This is a beautiful and intense gift to give each other for a wedding or anniversary.
- These days, large tattoos across the back are no longer seen as bizarre. Consider a giant claddagh tattoo across the upper back. Add your favorite birds by having them circle the crown, or set the entire image against a giant green shamrock. A person's name in the heart would add a personal touch.
- If religion is important to you, consider adding a religious symbol to the powerful symbol of the claddagh in your tattoo. The Celtic cross would go well with the claddagh. This would look best in black and white ink, which would give it a more serious and traditional tone.
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