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"Mo Anam Cara" Pronunciation & Meaning

Written by Ciaran Vipond on Mar 24, 2021 | 2 Comments

The Irish language has some truly poetic ways to tell that special someone that you care! But not one of the phrases you will find below translates as “I love you” - We Irish are known for being loquacious!

Mo Anam Cara - Translated as "My Soul Mate" or "My Soul Friend"

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".

Grá Go Deo - Translated as "Love Forever" or "Forever Love"

Eternity is an important theme in Celtic mythology, represented by the unending celtic knot. Our celtic knot rings feature a wide range of these eternal designs. Grá Go Deo is a romantic phrase to adorn any piece of jewelry but works especially well with beautiful celtic knot designs.

Grá, Dílseacht, Cairdeas - Translated as "Love, Loyalty & Friendship"

These three virtues are celebrated in the heart, hands and crown of Ireland's famous Claddagh Ring.

Grá Geal Mo Chroí - Translated as "Shining or Bright Love of My Heart"

This Irish phrase has a lovely lightness to it. One can almost imagine the lover's heart glowing in sympathy with their partner.

Continuing Tradition

We have selected these lovely phrases from the Irish language to adorn our collection of Gaelic Rings and Jewelry. Irish is an ancient Celtic language and despite famine, emigration and even outright banning for a time, it continues to be spoken to this day. The earliest written forms of the language were engraved in Ogham on standing stones and we continue this tradition today, crafting lovely Irish phrases in sterling silver, gold and platinum.

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Ciaran Vipond

Ciaran Vipond

My Irish Jeweler

Born in Co. Antrim and reared in Dublin, I was fascinated with Gaelic culture from an early age. I suppose it's not surprising given my mother inherited a grá for the Irish language from my grandfather, an Irish school headmaster. And that grá continues! My brother and sister are now Gaelic teachers here in Ireland, my niece is an award winning Irish dancer, and I proudly work to share Irish culture through our Irish and Celtic Jewelry at My Irish Jeweler!

I love researching and reading about the history of Irish design. It's at the core of what we do here at My Irish Jeweler. I find much of it so interesting that I have to share what I find. I hope you enjoy it!

Comments

Barb Lehman

Do you know of the immigrant ring?

Liz MaguireBarb Lehman

Hi Barb, Thanks for writing! What an interesting question. While we're not familiar with an "immigrant ring" we have been asked to engrave a number of dates and messages inside our collection of Celtic rings. Sometimes those details pertain to family heritage or life events. We'd love to help you find your perfect Irish ring. Feel free to send us an email at [email protected] to get started. Cheers, Liz.