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TATTOO DESIGNS & SYMBOLS - CLADDAGH TATTOOS
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Tattoo designs - C >>
Claddagh
 Claddagh Tattoo Design Meanings - The Claddagh is a very old
Celtic design of reputed Irish origin, and when worn as a ring, is
an extremely popular symbol of friendship and love. The Claddagh
shows two hands holding a heart topped with a crown. Interestingly,
there are even older ring designs throughout the Mediterranean that
appear to be two clasped-hands. It is entirely possible that the
Romans brought such ring designs with them when they invaded the
British Isles and may have been a source of inspiration for the
design that would eventually evolve into the Claddagh. The Celts,
brilliant gold and silversmiths and metal-workers in their own right
would undoubtedly have had occasion to encounter these designs.
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One legend has it that a young goldsmith gave a Claddagh to his
beloved as a token of his love and a promise to marry her, but
before that could take place he was kidnapped and press-ganged
aboard a pirate ship. His fiance refused to believe that her young
swain had perished and she waited five years until he was able to
escape, make his fortune and return to her and make good on his
promise to marry her. |
 There are many variations and versions of this
story, with roots in both Ireland and even the coast of Scotland!
All of us are familiar with the wedding vow, "With this ring I
thee wed", as one betrothed slides a wedding ring over the finger of
the other. The rings and the vows are symbols of love and
ever-lasting (we all hope) commitment. A Claddagh symbolizes, "With
these hands I offer up my heart and crown it with my love". The
crown is a powerful symbol of loyalty. Is there any greater gift
than to give someone else your heart?
 A Claddagh can also be used to discreetly signal and communicate
in affairs of the heart. The direction the heart is pointed in is an
indication of one's romantic availability. If the heart faces
downwards, the ring-wearer is unattached, and if the heart faces
upwards, their heart has already been given to another.
 As a tattoo design, two hands holding a crowned heart may stand
alone or be part of an armband, ankle-band or larger Celtic tattoo
designs. Its symbolizes friendship, both platonic and romantic - and
as "promise ring" speaks powerfully of loyalty, fidelity and that
love conquers all, including the bonds of distance and time.
Get inspired by some really great images and photos in our
Claddagh Inspiration Gallery
Choose your
Claddagh
& Celtic Tattoo and Design by the world's top tattoo artists
at TattooJohnny.com and buy the perfect claddagh design for yourself.
See also: Celtic
Tattoos, Love
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Claddagh
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