Certain words such as grá, have been praised in music, poetry, and the art of ordinary speech in Ireland ever since the first lines were inscribed on Ogham stones. These words have been held in high regard ever since the beginning of Irish history.
The word “love” in Irish is grá.Grá is pronounced very similarly to the English word “graw.” The term grá derives from the Latin word “gratus.” Love, like the majority of the other words we have in English, has several interpretations available in Gaelic, and it is not an exception. We have discovered more than 20 different phrases in Gaelic that imply love. However, the most prevalent one is grá, and it may be used in a variety of contexts, ranging from an expression of love to a partner to an informal term of endearment when greeting a passerby. Grá is consequently used freely in Gaelic, and it’s typically spoken when checking in on someone by adopting a soothing tone as a means of verbally placing your arm around them to express your care. “Conas atá t, a ghrá? ” translates as, “how are you doing?” in English. love?” This is in contrast to the use of the term “love” in the English language, which is often limited to a close-knit group of family or friends in the context of a relatively quiet narrative. ow way. One possible explanation for the widespread use of grá among speakers of Gaelic is that there was a time when life in this region was extremely difficult for the vast majority of the population, and expressing love to one another was a meaningful way of showing solidarity through times of famine and coercion. As a result, the use of grá may have become widespread during this period. Ireland has become a highly prosperous nation in the 21st century; however, we believe it is important to continue using the word grá freely in the Gaelic language, and we also think it is important to use love more frequently in the English language, in order to support the people around the country.
Is tú mo ghrá (pronounced Is too moh graw) – This translates as ‘you are my love’ Word for word, it is ‘are you my love,’ but it is not a question. Irish puts the verb first in the sentence.
Tá grá agam duit (pronounced taw graw agum dweet) – The exact meaning of this phrase is ‘I have love for you.’ Gra is the Irish word for love.
Tá mo chroí istigh ionat (pronounced taw moh kree ish-tig un-at) – This very romantic phrase literally means ‘my heart is in you’.
Is tú mo chuisle (pronounced is too moh coosh-lah) – Another anatomical phrase, this means ‘you are my pulse’. Fans of the film ‘Million Dollar Baby’ might remember the phrase ‘mo chuisle’ from the movie.
Táim i ngrá leat (pronounced tame ee n-graw leat. Leat rhymes with eat) – This one means ‘I am in love with you.’
Another Stunning Way to Say “I Love You” in Irish Love is indescribable; it cannot be put into words. Touching someone physically, giving them a present, or assisting them with a chore are all ways that we might convey how we are feeling.
Understanding your partner’s preferences is essential to making the appropriate move. For instance, if your beloved is interested in Ireland, giving them a present with an Irish theme is the ideal approach to demonstrate that you notice them and care about the things that interest them. Because the patterns on Irish jewelry are so symbolic, giving it as a present may be an excellent and original method to express one’s feelings of love for another person.
So, how do you say “I love you” in Irish? A word-for-word translation is not the most practical method of expressing your affection. Learning a few words and phrases rather than translating them is a lot simpler and more efficient method.
It may take some time to master the Irish pronunciation of the phrase “I love you.” It’s possible to modify the sound of Irish letters by the letters adjacent to them, since many letters in the language are silent. The good news is that each sentence is followed by an explanation of how to pronounce it.
Is tú mo grá (pronounced Is too moh graw) – This translates as ‘you are my love’ Word for word, it is ‘are you my love,’ but it is not a question. Irish puts the verb first in the sentence.
Tá grá agam duit (pronounced taw graw agum dweet) – The exact meaning of this phrase is ‘I have love for you.’ Gra is the Irish word for love.
Tá mo chroí istigh ionat (pronounced taw moh kree ish-tig un-at) – This very romantic phrase literally means ‘my heart is in you’.
Is tú mo chuisle (pronounced is too moh coosh-lah) – Another anatomical phrase, this means ‘you are my pulse’. Fans of the film ‘Million Dollar Baby’ might remember the phrase ‘mo chuisle’ from the movie.
Táim i ngrá leat (pronounced tame ee n-graw leat. Leat rhymes with eat) – This one means ‘I am in love with you.’
Mo chroí (moh kree)– my heart or Is tú mo ghrá (Iss too mu graw) “You are my love” is as close as we come to saying “I love you” and is a lovely phrase that would work well as a thoughtful engraving
Mo anam cara (moh anum cair-ah) – my soulmate. This phrase means “My Soul Mate” or “My Soul Friend.” The ancient Celts thought there was a soul that spread out over the body. When two people formed a strong bond, their souls would mix and each person could be called their “anam cara,” or “soul friend.” This beautiful phrase was the source of our Mo Anam Cara Jewelry.
Portrait of girl holding red paper heart isolated on white background
Valentine’s Day is almost here! Not sure what to get that special someone in your life? Or maybe you just want to spoil yourself?
Or perhaps you’re wondering what to get for Valentine’s Day last-minute? We’ve put together a list of some pretty cool gifts for him and her to inspire you!
If you want to go all out for Valentine’s Day, consider mixing one of our Celtic jewelry gifts with an experience or special memory.
On Valentine’s Day, give her this Celtic Heartbeat Necklace and tell her she makes your heart skip a beat. Extra points for creativity we promise!
Now if these creative and romantic ideas don’t work for you this Valentine’s Day you can always take a more traditional Celtic jewelry approach to Valentine’s Day gift giving.
Nothing says I love you on Valentine’s Day like a Celtic Love Knot also known as a Trinity Knot. We have a huge selection of Trinity Knot necklaces but our Diamond Trinity Knot Necklace is perfect for that special someone.
Now if none of these beautiful pieces of Celtic jewelry do the trick to convey your enduring love to your Valentine then there is always the home run piece of Celtic jewelry, the Claddagh ring. Now the claddagh ring is a time honored tradition of promising ones eternal friendship, love and loyalty. Shop our huge selection of Claddagh Rings available in a variety of claddagh designs to meet any budget needs.
Many people believe that the phrase Mo Anam Cara is translates to ‘my soul mate‘ but its accurately translates as ‘my soul friend‘ as anam is the Gaelic word for soul and cara the Gaelic word for friend.
Anam Cara or Anamchara is pronounced (aun-im-KAHR-ah]
The ancient Celts believed in a soul that radiated about the body. They believed that when two individuals formed a deep and lasting bond that their souls would mingle. Therefore, each person could be said to have found their “anam cara“, or “soul friend“.
What does Anam Cara mean?
Anam is Gaelic for ‘soul’, and cara is Gaelic for ‘friend’. To say ‘my soul friend’ you would say ‘moanamcara.’ The phrase comes from the Celtic belief that souls can be connected spiritually, and can create a strong bond. Anamcara can be used to describe a friendship and a love between family, friends and partners.
It is said that there is a Celtic belief that when two souls share a unique connection they are stronger together than they are apart.
There is an existing compound word known as anamcharathat literally means “soul friend.” But this really doesn’t work as “soulmate” in either definition.
Anamcharais traditionally used to refer to one’s confessor or spiritual advisor. Originally, it was used to refer to the spiritual advisor a young monk would be assigned when he joined the monastery.
Mo Anam Cara Trinity Band by The Irish Jewelry Company
Mo Anam Cara Jewelry
Aran Infinity Claddagh Ring
MoAnamCarajewelry is featured in a variety of jewelry styles such Irish rings, pendants, bracelets, and brooches in various precious metals such as Gold and Silver. It is also since as an inscription on or hidden as a romantic message inside claddagh rings and Celtic wedding bands. MoAnamCara jewelry makes an ideal gift for that very special person in your life.
Everyone is on the hunt for that perfect Valentine’s gift when the same old flowers and fattening chocolate just is not going to cut it. Especially after the year we all had in 2020. The pandemic has given people a newfound or renewed appreciation for our relationships, a spiritual awakening and has left us in search of a deeper meaning in everything. So, we recommend instead of giving the same old boring thoughtless gift why not give a beautiful piece of Celtic jewelry steeped in sentimental meaning, tradition, and spiritualism. Women of all ages love a nice piece of jewelry, especially something that was thoughtfully selected with meaning.
Give her a wee bit of Ireland and your Irish heart to carry with her always. Connemara is a region in county Galway. Our Connemara Marble Heart Toggle Bracelet is so beautiful, and History and tradition stoked! You will love owning one.
Connemara Marble Heart Toggle Bracelet
The word Connemara comes from the Gaelic meaning “Inlets for the Sea”. Connemara Marble is a rare form of marble found in the region. It is typically greenish in color. It is one of the rarest forms of marble in the world. Deposits date back some 600 million years! The marble forms when limestone is heated under pressure. While the color is predominately green there are often shades of grey and brown seen throughout. 4000-year-old axes made from Connemara Marble in the Stone Age can be seen in The National Museum of Ireland. Owning a piece is like a little slice of Irish heaven.
Connemara Marble is a rare form of marble found in the region. … It is one of the rarest forms of marble in the world. Deposits date back some 600 million years! The marble forms when limestone is heated under pressure.
2. Arrow Necklace: Cupid Aims Straight for the Heart
Channel your inner Celtic archer with Celtic knot adorned Celtic Arrow Jewelry. This beautiful Celtic Arrow Jewelry Collection aims straight for the heart. It’s a fun and stylish token of Celtic love. As though being struck by Cupid’s arrow she’ll be smitten by the Celtic Arrow Jewelry Collection. Once struck it’s hard to resist this cute Celtic Arrow Jewelry. The Celtic Arrow Collection is a brilliantly unique Celtic Jewelry trend.
The Celtic Arrow Meaning is a symbol of the Celtic Warrior, courageous and bravery. The Celtic Arrow is an ancient symbol reminding us of the traditions of the Celtic Warrior and the bravery within.
3. Love her to the Moon and Back!
She’ll be moon struck with our Celtic Moon Pendant and Celtic Moon Earrings. Celtic mythology and symbolism is big on balance and the Celtic moon is very significant. There is a moon goddess also worshiped by the Celts, who is associated with the lunar cycles. Waning Crescent Moon. CRESCENT MOON. The Celtic Creasant Moon is stunning. The word “crescent” comes from the Latin term ceres meaning to “bring forth, create” and crescere, the Latin term for “grow, thrive”. The Celtic moon is big and beautiful and hard not to look at.
4. Show Her She’s Your Shining Star
Shimmer brilliantly like the brightest star in the night sky wearing our Celtic Star Pendant. It is the perfect gift for any shining star in your life.
The Celtic Star is an ancient Celtic symbol that stands for being, spirit life and eternal. The Celtic Star is an interesting Celtic symbol combined with the Triquetra and it is made up of a knotted triangular shape, which is composed of an unbroken, continuous line.
Shimmer brilliantly like the brightest star in the night sky wearing our Celtic Star Pendant. It is the perfect gift for any shining star in your life. Polaris, often referred to as the North Star, is seemingly un-moving in our sky due to its alignment with the Earth’s axis at the northern pole.
5. Give Her A Key – A Key to your Heart
The Key To My Irish Heart necklace combines true symbols of love and Ireland. A key to your Irish heart and a four leaf clover. The four leaf clover is a symbol of good luck. The leaves of the clover stand for hope, faith, love and luck. Unlock the door to true love with the key to your Irish heart.
6. Hug and Kisses Claddagh
Lavish her with hugs and kisses to carry with her wherever she goes. Our delightful sterling silver collection of XO and Claddagh Hugs and Kisses Jewelry Collection. Our Hugs and KissesCladdagh Jewelry will definitely Inspire her to lay a big hug and kiss on you. This Hugs and Kisses Claddagh necklaceis totally charming. The XO claddaghwill show her how much you want to smother her in you affections all while proclaiming your eternal friendship, love and loyalty.
7. She Makes your Heart Skip a Beat: Celtic Heartbeat Necklace
Celtic Heartbeat Necklace
The Celtic Heartbeat Necklace lets her know your heart beats only for her. This brilliant heartbeat necklace in sleek sterling silver,is adorned with rose gold trinity knot that catches the eye. This romantic heartbeat necklace symbolizes the vitality of Celtic love. Like the old Irish saying, “My pulse, my heart, A chuisle, a chroí.”
The Celtic Heartbeat Necklace is depicted as an AFib or Atrial fibrillation because it is an abnormal heart rhythm characterized by the rapid and irregular beating of the atrial chambers of the heart.
8. The Knot that Binds Us: The Celtic Couples Knot
Our Celtic Couples Knot Jewelry Collection pledges your eternal love with this woven Celtic knot. Like true love Celtic knots have not ending. The Celtic Couples Knot Jewelry Collection is the perfect gift for that special someone in your life.
9. The Trinity Knot – The Celtic Love Knot
by The Irish Jewelry Company
The Celtic love knot is a modern-day Irish tradition. Also know as the trinity knot, it is a religious symbol with both pagan and Christians heritage. In Celtic mythology, knots especially Celtic love knots symbolize the sacred geometry of the universe and being. It is customary to give a loved one a gift with the trinity knot, or Celtic Love Knot, like a necklace or ring, to embody feelings of love. The trinity knots interlaced and unbroken lines symbolize spiritual growth, eternal life and undying love. When you give a piece of Celtic Jewelry like the Diamond Infinity Trinity necklace you pledge your infinite love and loyalty .
10. The Famous Celtic Symbol of Love: The Claddagh Ring
Claddagh Ring by The Irish Jewelry Company
Claddagh Rings are world renowned, and are worn by both men and women, single or taken. Irish Claddagh rings are named for the ancient fishing village of Claddagh, near Galway, Ireland, dating back to the 17th century. The Claddagh ring in Irish is fáinne Chladaigh and is a traditional Irish ring which represents love, loyalty, and friendship. The hands represent friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty. The Irish Cladddagh ring, as currently known, was first produced in the 17th century.
The Claddagh ring is really afede rings and have a long history dating back to Roman times. The name “fede” derives from the Italian phrase mani in fede meaning loosely “hands joined in faith” or “hands joined in loyalty”. The clasped hands were viewed as promise ring used as an engagement ring or wedding ring in medieval and Renaissance Europe. The Irish Claddagh ring is a version of the fede ring has roots deeply seeded in long standing Irish tradition.
Irish or not, if you want to give a token of your friendship, love and loyalty that has meaning, the Claddagh rings may be the choice for you. Claddagh rings, are often mistakenly spelt Clatter Ring orClodagh Ring, like it sounds (Irish: fáinne Chladaigh) is a traditional Irish ring. The Claddagh ring means eternal love, loyalty, and friendship. Claddagh rings consists of a heart with a crown held by two hands symbolizing love, loyalty and friendship. Claddagh Rings have become a world renowned symbol of love.
The Claddagh is a legendary jewelry item that epitomizes timeless values. The legacy design cues hands on either side of a heart and a crown on top. The classic Claddagh ring shows the wearer’s family situation. Thus, a heart looking out the fingertips means you’re single, whereas this element pointing towards the wrist means that the owner is taken.
Today, this ring has a huge number of design variations, but the main three elements have remained intact. This jewelry item is presented to girls and women as a symbol of companionship or as a Claddagh engagement ring.
The Story Behind The Claddagh Ring
The Irish Claddagh ring tells a heartwarming romantic story steeped in heritage and life-long affection. This story began a long time ago – three hundred and forty years ago, to be exact.
The protagonist of this most widespread legend is Richard Joyce. One day, he ventured off to what is now known as the North American islands. On his way back, he was going to walk his sweetheart down the aisle, but on the way to Claddagh, his ship was seized by Algerian pirates.
In those days, pirates tore the blue waters, filling travelers with dread. Many noblemen died in the fight and thousands of merchants lost everything they had earned. Thus, Richard was enslaved and brought to a famous jeweler. He spent in slavery fourteen years. Joyce mastered the jewelry craft to perfection and became an excellent craftsman under his master’s guidance.
Richard kept on dreaming of meeting his bride. This inspired him to create a ring that portrayed two hands holding the heart under the crown.
Later, the goldsmith was set free. However, a Moorish jeweler liked the capable lad and even offered him to tie the knot with his daughter. But Joyce refused since a bride was waiting for him in his homeland.
When Richard arrived to the motherland, he gave the ring to his faithful girlfriend, who had been waiting for him all these years. They married and settled down in the village. Richard went on to pursue his favorite and lucrative business – he opened his own jewelry workshop. Since then, these rings have sprouted into the local culture.
Although there are different legends circulating about the origin of this item, the romantic history seems the most plausible. The fact remains that the oldest surviving rings bear his trader’s mark, and that a jeweler named Richard Joyce actually existed. It is also interesting that this goldsmith’s mark features an anchor, which is a symbol of hope.
Today, this ring has rightfully taken its place among the cherished Irish wedding traditions and customs alongside with locking of the church door, the make-up beds, and others.
The Bottom Line
Today, the Claddagh is the eternal embodiment of affection and wholeness. The charm of this item is that it can be used as both a promise heirloom and a marriage symbol. So whether you are into the traditions or prefer a more modern stance, this lovely heritage can be worn and adored by everyone.
Ah, Valentine’s Day, the most men in the US scramble last minute to buy the perfect Valentine’s Day Gift for that special someone. The first thing that comes to mind is a heart-shaped box of cheap chocolates that should be directly applied to one’s hips. And then there is that sweet little cupid. He’s an overweight angel aiming a bow and arrow at you to inspire you to fall blissfully in love. I mean, let’s face it. Cupid’s arrow is a weapon that literally and metaphorically could be the death of you. But all jokes aside, do you even know why we actually celebrate Valentine’s Day? I didn’t think so.
The Legend of Saint Valentine In ancient Rome, the date February 14th was a holiday to honor the Roman Goddess of women and marriage. The next day was celebrated as the pagan Roman Feast of Lupercalia. During this time in Roman history, young adults were strictly segregated by sex. No surprise, it was 269 AD. Eventually they needed to give their hormones a chance to flourish. So it was customary on the eve of the feast of Lupercalia for young men and woman to be partnered for the feast by the men picking the girls’ names from a jar. Sometimes the pairing lasted for a year and with the young couples falling romantically in love and eventually marring. It was all very sexist in a provocative way.
Unfortunately, this didn’t last for long. This euphoric ritual of hormonal teenage partnering would come to an abrupt end during the tyrannical rule of Emperor Claudius II, also known as Claudius the cruel. Emperor Claudius had Rome fighting in many bloody and unpopular battles and was having grave difficulty recruiting soldiers to sustain his military forces. In his warped mind, Claudius believed the reason he couldn’t get soldiers was due to women. He convinced himself that the men’s love of his family, wife, or girlfriend prevented them from leaving there side and joining the military. It had nothing to do with the little matter that they didn’t want to die a savage death for an Emperor they despised.
Fun-loving Emperor Claudius proceeded to cancel all pending and future marriages and engagements in Rome. Claudius then made it a crime punishable by death to associate with Christians.
Legend has it, no doubt a wee bit embellished if not entirely fictional, that Valentine was stricken with the unbearable belief that many young souls would be destined to be sinners. So Valentine, a roman priest, married young lovers against Claudius’s decree in secrecy. He was of course apprehended and condemned to death for his deeds. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, in either 269 AD or 270 AD. Nobody really knows what yearly exactly, but they know the date was February 14th, now known as Valentine’s Day.
So where is St. Valentine now? Ireland, duh! What you may not know for some unknown reason is that St. Valentine’s remains are rumored to be buried in Dublin, Ireland. How do you like that wee bit of useless knowledge?
The Carmelite Church on Whitefriar Street in Dublin City claims to hold the remains of St Valentine. The Carmelites are a small community in the monastery attached to Whitefriar Street Church. Saint Valentine’s remain were given to the Carmelites in 1835 by Pope Gregory XVI.
Oh, the Irish are wonderful folk. They just about have their hands in everything good and pleasurable. Not only did they give us spooktacular holidays like Halloween and fantastic Christmas traditions like the wreath on our on the front doors, but they also house the remains of St. Valentine! The romantic patron saint of lovers whose feast day has become so commercialized it actually makes Christmas seem, well, less commercial by comparison. In any event, Board Failte wouldn’t be doing their job if it didn’t see the Euro signs in the fact that Dublin, Ireland’s capital, is the last resting place of the beloved Saint of Love. It virtually makes Ireland a must-do pilgrimage for lovers. I mean, after all, the Irish did give us the claddagh ring, too. The claddagh is the one and only symbol of eternal friendship, love, and loyalty. The story of the claddagh is a story for another day or blog. Anyway, its romantic, symbolic meaning makes it a no brainer gift for men to give, especially on Valentine’s Day. Cowinkydink?
In ancient Rome, the date February 14th was a holiday to honor the Roman Goddess of women and marriage. The next day was celebrated as the pagan Roman Feast of Lupercalia. During this time in Roman history, young adults were strictly segregated by sex. No surprise, it was 269 AD. Eventually they needed to give their hormones a chance to flourish. So it was customary on the eve of the feast of Lupercalia for young men and woman to be partnered for the feast by the men picking the girls’ names from a jar. Sometimes the pairing lasted for a year and with the young couples falling romantically in love and eventually marring. It was all very sexist in a provocative way.
Unfortunately, this didn’t last for long. This euphoric ritual of hormonal teenage partnering would come to an abrupt end during the tyrannical rule of Emperor Claudius II, also known as Claudius the cruel. Emperor Claudius had Rome fighting in many bloody and unpopular battles and was having grave difficulty recruiting soldiers to sustain his military forces. In his warped mind, Claudius believed the reason he couldn’t get soldiers was due to women. He convinced himself that the men’s love of his family, wife, or girlfriend prevented them from leaving there side and joining the military. It had nothing to do with the little matter that they didn’t want to die a savage death for an Emperor they despised.
Fun-loving Emperor Claudius proceeded to cancel all pending and future marriages and engagements in Rome. Claudius then made it a crime punishable by death to associate with Christians.
Legend has it, no doubt a wee bit embellished if not entirely fictional, that Valentine was stricken with the unbearable belief that many young souls would be destined to be sinners. So Valentine, a roman priest, married young lovers against Claudius’s decree in secrecy. He was of course apprehended and condemned to death for his deeds. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, in either 269 AD or 270 AD. Nobody really knows what yearly exactly, but they know the date was February 14th, now known as Valentine’s Day.
The Irish Claddagh pronounced[klah-duh] is called a fáinne Chladaigh in Irish. The traditional Irish Claddagh ring is a symbol of friendship, love and loyalty. The hands of the claddagh ring stand for friendship. The heart of the claddagh ring stands for love and the crown is a symbol of loyalty. The Claddagh has actually been worn since Roman times! The beautiful meaning of the claddagh ring has made the claddagh ring a celebrated romantic gift for people of all nationalities. But none can argue that the claddagh rings holds a rather special meaning to those romantics of Irish heritage.
