The faith of the children of LirWritten by Paul Gibney
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When King Bodhbh found out what Aoife had done to children of Lir, using a Druids rod he turned her into a “Witch of air”. As legend goes Aoife still blows in howling wind and her screams can be heard when a storm blows. Over years Lir and many others continued to visit swan children. They listened to their enchanting, magical singing that was said to calm even most savage beast. Over 900 years of spell they faced extremely harsh weather conditions. Near end they traveled to Inish Gluaire where they first heard Christian bells and met a Christian missionary called St. Mochaomhog. They told him of their plight and that they were children of Lir. At this time a King from north King Lairgnean was due to wed Deach, a daughter of southern Muster King. King Lairgnean had heard of swan’s lovely singing voices and wanted to give them to his wife as a wedding present. But while King Lairgnean was trying to capture swans he touched one of them and spell was broken. The swans turned back into their human form, but they were very old and Withered looking. Fionnula oldest asked St. Mochaomhog to baptize them and soon after they died. They were buried same way they lived, together. Later that night St. Mochaomhog dreamed that he saw four beautiful white swans flying over sea straight up to heaven. This beautiful Celtic myth has inspired Irish gifts makers over years to create wonderful works of art. Many Irish jewelry manufactures have incorporated 4 swan theme into many stunning pieces of children of Lir jewelry.
Paul Gibney is a co-founder of http://www.claddaghstore.com one of Ireland largest online Celtic Jewelry Stores.
| | History of the Claddagh ringsWritten by Paul Gibney
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In earlier times in Claddagh village design of ring was symbol of “fishing Kings of Claddagh” meaning being then “in love and friendship let us reign”. The heart symbolizes love, hands symbolizes friendship and crown loyalty. The popularity of Claddagh ring was helped by mass exodus from Ireland during great famine 1845-50. Some famous wearers of Claddagh ring include Queen Victoria, Edward VII and lately Buffy vampire slayer (who was given ring by Angel). The present Governor of New York recently mentioned that over 200 Claddagh rings had been recovered from attack on world trade center on September 11th 2001.The tradtional Claddagh symbols - heart for love, hands for friendship and crown for loyalty. How to wear your Claddagh Ring; Right hand with heart pointing outwards = Fancy free Right hand with heart pointing inwards = Spoken for Left hand with heart pointing inwards = Found true love
Paul Gibney is a co-founder of http://www.claddaghstore.com one of Ireland largest online Celtic Jewelry Stores.
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