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Claddagh Cake Toppers

Summary

The claddagh ring has rich symbolism and history, which makes it appropriate even for weddings of today. Its history comes from the customs of several ancient lands but the expression of love hasn't faded through the years.

Introduction

The claddagh ring, sometimes spelled claddugh, has a rich tradition that transcends Ireland and goes as far back as ancient Rome. It's one type of "Fede Ring." These rings get their name from the Italian words mani in fede, which means "hands in faith." The clasped hands of a Fede ring are symbols of faith and trust. From ancient times joining hands in trust, shaking hands and holding hands have always been part of the culture and symbols of love and trust. It only seems fitting the claddagh be part of the symbolism for weddings and many couples incorporate the claddagh with an Irish wedding cake topper..

Early History of Fede Rings

Even though the joining of hands, the right hand in particular, was an ancient Roman custom to indicate marriage, other significant customs may contribute to the creation of the claddagh. During Medieval times, several tribes from the Lothians, Northumbrians and other Germanic tribes used a two-phase approach to the nuptials. Anglo-Saxons called the first part, the betrothal ceremony, the beweddung. In this phase, the groom gave weds. Weds were payments to the family of the bride. Once the two came to an agreement, referred to as plighting the troth, the groom and the family sealed the deal with a handshake. The last part of the ceremony was the handshake and called handfasting in ancient times.

Claddagh History

While many types of fede rings have the symbols of the clasped hands, only the claddagh has the heart and crown. This ring comes from the specific fishing community of Claddagh in the county of Galway in Ireland. The village remained to itself so much that it spoke Irish until mid 20th century. These fishermen rarely married outside the village so the custom of a particular style in the wedding ring became firm throughout the village. Claddagh rings not only were part of the villages rich tradition, they were heirlooms passed from mother to daughter. These family heirlooms often still survive despite their antiquity.

Symbolism

The symbols on the claddagh ring are those of love. The ring has the two hands normally found on fede rings but instead of clasping each other, they hold a heart. Atop the heart is a crown in many cases. The heart of course is the symbol for love, friendship or a sealed bond is represented by the hands and finally, the crown represents loyalty.

The Ceremony

During the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom often exchange words associated with the symbolism of the ring as they exchange wedding rings. The vows might be similar to either of these: "I hold my heart in my hands and offer it to you." "Let our love and friendship rule over our life together."

Significance

Americans, regardless of their descent, now display an increasing use of the claddagh symbol as the theme for their wedding. They represent the theme in everything from napkins to Irish wedding cake toppers and wedding accessories like guest books and ring pillows. The symbolism it contains, regardless of national ancestry, speaks to many brides and grooms. The theme of loyalty, love and friendship knows no borders, so it is appropriate for everyone that believes marriage is a union that should last forever.

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