Claddagh rings and Aran jumpers pop up everywhere throughout the seasons and are having a moment right now like never before across the world.
For a tiny island, Ireland punches above its weight worldwide when it comes to heritage and the arts. For anyone planning to visit Ireland or with a connection to Ireland, a Claddagh ring and Aran jumper are often now first on the list of coveted mementos.
But why? It’s all about the stories...
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| Aran Sweaters |
At first glance, Aran fisherman jumpers / sweaters look like a cosy knit. Taking their name from the Aran islands just off the coast of County Galway - Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer - the best are handmade from wool. But at further glance, it becomes apparent that just like the Claddagh, the variety of stitch patterns each has an extra symbol or story.
The most popular Aran is the common cable stitch. This resembles fishermen’s ropes and good weather out in the sea. It’s an optimistic hopeful symbol. The Irish moss pattern symbolizes abundance and growth and is also popular. The diamond stitch is designed to represent the tiny, neat fields of the Aran islands and is a beautiful pattern.
It seems that the stories of both transcend boundaries and decades and carry meaning that people of all generations can still connect with in a fresh way.
The Claddagh is world famous as a symbol of Ireland. Its beautiful story is timeless. The heart represents love, the hands friendship and the crown loyalty. A symbol of Ireland for centuries, it can be worn in four different ways and appears everywhere from the catwalks, to film, to an everyday piece worn around the world as a ring, necklace, bracelet, earrings or pendant.
But be mindful of how you wear it!
Facing out from the body on the right hand, it shows that the wearer is open to new love. If you wear it on the right hand facing inwards, it shows that the wearer’s heart is not available right now. If the Claddagh ring is worn on the left hand with the heart facing out, it signifies that the wearer is engaged to be married. When turned inwards on the left hand, it means that the wearer is married.
It’s a case of ‘when you know you know’ and it’s a ring unlike any other as it has so many different manifestations.
The Claddagh and the Aran - timeless in their stories.