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Romance/Love: March 17, 2010 Issue [#3601]

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Romance/Love


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  Edited by: Crys-not really here Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

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Welcome to the Romance/Love Newsletter. I'm Crys-not really here Author IconMail Icon and today I bring you a special St. Patrick's Day edition. *RainbowL*


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Letter from the editor

The Claddagh Ring: a Traditional Irish Symbol of Love

*Shamrock* *Shamrock* *Shamrock* *Shamrock* *Shamrock*


Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! Today, we’ll look at one of Ireland’s most recognizable symbols of love: the Claddagh Ring.

*Shamrock*Claddagh Ring Symbolism and History

The Claddagh ring is composed of three symbolic elements: the heart (symbolizing love), which is held in two hands (symbolizing friendship), and topped by a crown (symbolizing loyalty). The expression commonly used when giving a Claddagh ring is “With these hands I give you my heart and I crown it with my love."

There are many stories behind the origin of the Claddagh ring, all dating back hundreds of years to the Claddagh region of Ireland.

One story goes that a man named Richard Joyce was captured by the Algerians and sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith. Joyce was released from slavery in 1689 when William III of England demanded the release of all British subjects. The Moorish goldsmith offered Richard Joyce a major portion of his wealth and his only daughter, if he agreed to stay in Algiers. Richard Joyce refused the offer in order to return to Galaway to be with his true love. He forged the first Claddagh ring in order to show his loyalty to her, and they married upon his return.

Another legend says that a prince designed the ring to prove his love for a maid to his farther. He proposed to the maid, and his father gave his blessing after hearing about the symbolism behind the ring.

No matter which story you believe, the rich history and symbolism behind the ring cannot be denied.


*Shamrock*Many ways to wear the ring

The way a person wears a Claddagh ring is also symbolic. When one is married or engaged, they traditionally wear the ring on the left hand with the crown pointing away from the heart. Those who will consider a relationship traditionally wear the ring on the right hand with the crown pointing away from the heart. If a person is not interested in starting a romantic relationship, they traditionally wear the ring on the right hand with the crown pointing toward the heart.

*Shamrock*Modernizing the ring

Today, the Claddagh ring comes in a variety of styles. One can purchase a Claddagh encrusted with diamonds or featuring any birthstone. There are also Claddagh rings for men. Many people who wish to celebrate their Irish roots use the rings as engagement or wedding rings. I think the Claddagh ring is one of most romantic symbols of devotion that a man can give a woman, and I’m not even Irish!



"With these hands I give you my heart and I crown it with my love."

*RainbowL**RainbowR**Gold* *RainbowL**RainbowR**Gold**RainbowL**RainbowR**Gold* *RainbowL**RainbowR**Gold*


Editor's Picks

The McWard Family's Account Open in new Window. (E)
A family decribes the Irish Potato Famine.
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 Meditations on Ireland Open in new Window. (ASR)
Random Thoughts on Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day
#1651395 by Prosperous Snow celebrating Author IconMail Icon

 O Shannon Open in new Window. (E)
Memories of a river, though I did not see it for real.
#1565169 by SeanFhear Author IconMail Icon

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Do You Know What It Means To Be Irish? Open in new Window. (E)
Irish Poetry:Do You Know What It Means To Be Irish?
#1196270 by Maggie Author IconMail Icon

 
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Ask & Answer

*Heart*Monthly Romance Challenge*Heart*

In this section, I will give you a writing challenge that will hopefully help you write better, more realistic romantic scenes in your work.

This month’s challenge: Write a story or poem that focuses around a symbol of love of your choice. It could be a piece of jewelry like a Claddagh ring, or a type of flower, or a family heirloom that has been passed down through generations. Whatever you write, make sure you submit it using the form below. You could see your story in my newsletter next month!


Thank you to those of you who wrote in to last month's newsletter about romance in young adult literature!

I can agree to a certain degree, I think everyone has there views on love. It comes and goes depending on how you look at it, for some it may come at an early age or maybe later in due time, but it all comes down to one thing, love is love...
kemalove19


I love to read teen romance (I'm a teen myself) yet I've never considered writing about it before. Probably because it hits so close to home for me, but I might try one of your suggestions. Thanks for the great newsletter!
Grace Author IconMail Icon

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