Traveling solo as a woman comes with a unique set of considerations, and navigating social interactions is often at the forefront. During my first solo trip to Europe, I took a piece of advice from a travel guide and decided to wear a wedding ring. It was a simple tactic, and despite not actually being married, it proved surprisingly effective. In many countries, it acted as a subtle shield, deflecting unwanted attention and allowing me to explore without constant interruptions.
When I ventured to Egypt, I tried the same approach. However, the reaction was quite different. The moment men noticed the ring, conversations abruptly ceased. While perhaps intended as a sign of respect for a perceived marital commitment, it left me feeling oddly dismissed. It was as if my value as a person to interact with was solely dependent on my availability for marriage. If I was “taken,” I was no longer worth engaging with.
Now, as I prepare to travel to Ireland for a fellowship, I wanted to find a similar strategy but with a more nuanced approach. Given that my trip involves interviewing people about sensitive topics, wearing a wedding ring felt disingenuous. I needed something that offered a level of personal signaling without misrepresentation.
That’s when I considered the Claddagh ring. This traditional Irish ring, sometimes referred to as an Irish Wedding Band, has origins shrouded in a bit of mystery, but its symbolism is clear and widely understood in Ireland. The Claddagh’s design—two hands clasping a heart beneath a crown—serves as a visual indicator of the wearer’s relationship status. When worn with the heart pointing towards the wearer, it indicates that they are in a relationship or “taken.” Flipped around, with the heart pointing outwards, it signals that the wearer is single and available.
For my trip to Ireland, the Claddagh ring seemed like the ideal solution. While I am neither married nor engaged, I am definitely “taken” in the sense of being in a committed relationship. It allows me to signal my relationship status respectfully and authentically within a cultural context where the Claddagh ring carries significant meaning.
I’ve always been drawn to the traditional interpretation of the Claddagh symbols: the hands representing friendship, the heart symbolizing love, and the crown embodying loyalty. Together, they represent the essential elements of a healthy and balanced partnership. Of course, like many symbols, the Claddagh has accumulated various interpretations over time, adding layers of depth to its meaning.
I found a beautiful sterling silver Claddagh ring with an amethyst stone on eBay and ordered it just in time for my departure from Portland. Interestingly, it was shipped from Israel. Perhaps this is a serendipitous detail, considering my first meeting in Ireland is scheduled with a Jewish group next week. It feels like a fitting start to a journey that blends personal exploration with cultural immersion, all symbolized by a small, meaningful ring.
