Happy St Patricks Day | Looking for an Irish Tattoo?

Happy St Patrick's Day!!! A day set aside to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland.  For a lot of people this religious feast day includes parades, food, music, festivals and the odd pint of Guinness.  But if you are looking for something different this St Patrick's Day you could maybe go for the Irish Claddagh Tattoo.

claddagh design

This distinctive tattoo is made up of two hands holding a heart with a crown on top.  This heart is designed to represent “Let love and friendship reign”. Each ot the images have individual meaning. The crown, located on the top off the heart represents loyalty.  The hands symbolize friendship and the heart means love.
The Claddagh can be found around the world worn by the Irish representing ‘free for romance’, ‘heart is taken’ or being ‘happily married’.  

Originally an expression of “With these hands I give you my heart and I crown it with my love” accompanied the Claddagh.  Again embodying the tradition of love, loyalty and friendship.

Claddagh History

You could ask seven different people and get different legends abouts the origins but the most common is based on the Joyce Clan. A young man left for the West Indies to get work and promised his beloved marriage when he returned. However, he was captured and sold as a slave to a goldsmith.  Once released he was offered half of the fortunate from the goldsmith if he took the goldsmiths daughter's hand in marriage. However, he declined and returned home to his beloved and fulfilled his promise.

claddagh tattoos

I regards to the Claddagh Tattoo, this can be a symbolism of either friendship, loyalty or love.  Often found matching couple tattoos, friendship tattoos or anyone who wish to share their love for each other.  These days the claddagh tattoo can be found anywhere on the body in a number of styles and colours. ​

If you have had a Claddagh Tattoo, we'd love to see. Simply upload the picture to the comments.