September 2015 - Galway Ireland
More than one mural this week!
For as long as I can remember this mural has been in Galway and I photograph it on every trip.
I have Claddagh jewelry of every sort, rings, charms, earrings, in gold and silver. Just comes of being Irish. No one leaves Galway without a Claddagh souvenir.
2015
Here it is in 2005.
Legend has it that shortly before he was due to be married, a fisherman Richard Joyce was captured at sea by pirates and sold into slavery in Algeria.
He became the property of a rich Moorish goldsmith, who sensing his potential began to train him in his craft. In time Richard Joyce became a fully proficient master craftsman and with thoughts of the girl he had left behind close to his heart, he fashioned the first Claddagh Ring. The heart symbolizing love, the pair of hands representing friendship and the crown for loyalty and fidelity.
In 1698 after an agreement with King William III to release all his subjects held in slavery, Richard Joyce found himself once more a free man.
His master, who had by now grown very fond of him offered his only daughter in marriage and half his wealth, if he would remain in Algiers, but Joyce declined and returned home to Galway.
There he found that his sweetheart had waited for his return, and presenting her with the Claddagh Ring they were married.
If one was courting, the claddagh ring would be worn on the right hand with the heart facing outwards to show your heart had not yet been taken.
Once a betrothal had been decided the claddagh ring would be worn on the right hand but turned in so the heart faced inwards and this was to show that your heart had now been taken.
I couldn't find this sign on this trip so this photo is from 2005.
Some very colourful ones, Jackie... hard to pick a favourite!
ReplyDeleteYoung love! What a great old building with such a nice story!
ReplyDeleteAn interesting story. It is good to see businesses with a long history still operating.
ReplyDeleteI love photographing cool signs. I know I wouldn't be able to leave Galway without a piece of jewelry -- a necklace, or charm, or earrings.
ReplyDeletePretty, Pretty, Pretty
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting story. Lovely too.
ReplyDeleteNice to know about the way the heart on the ring is worn.
Now I so badly want one of these rings.
Thank you for sharing this story and these images with us.
It's so cool that you got to photograph the mural on two different occasions. Nice to see that they changed up the colours a bit but maintained the style.
Interesting history about the Claddagh Ring! My daughter wears one. ;)
ReplyDeleteI didn't know the legend behind the design. What an adventurous life Richard Joyce had. I especially like the old woman appearing in a poof of clouds. Thanks for contributing to this week's Monday Mural.
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