Things to do in Laramie on a school night...
and a snippet of Irish lore.

Sometimes you just feel the urge to beautify the world. The Ministry supports those urges - occasionally, this even takes the form of going with you to the tattoo artist and taking pictures while you are being inked.


This is before the shading and details were added. You will see a picture of the finished Claddagh here in a few days.

I'm sure that most of you know the lore surrounding the Claddagh ring, but just in case...

These rings were originally worn in the village of Claddagh near Galway, Ireland and their traditional purpose was to show marital status. How the Claddagh ring is worn sends a clear message to those who understand it (although I'm not sure what it means if it is on your spine...). Today the ring is usually interpretted a bit more liberally.

If one was courting, the Claddagh ring would be worn on the right hand with the heart facing outwards.

Today this usually means that she is single and looking.

Once a betrothal had been decided the Claddagh ring would be turned so the heart faced inwards.

We read this today as an indication that a love is being considered.

Upon marriage, the Claddagh ring worn on the left hand with the heart turned inwards, would serve as a wedding ring.

Today it doesn't always signify marriage - just that she is in a relationship.

The Claddagh ring has now become popular for men as well.
The design is usually beefed up or set into a band in the men's version - this one has channel-set emeralds as well.

Oh, and yes - she says it still stings quite a bit...