Loyal Like a Cub Fan Monday, Oct 31 2016 

Everyday Life and Family and Midwest , , , , Mary K. Doyle 11:11 am

The Chicago Cubs baseball team has brought exhilaration to a city that’s seen its struggles in recent years. Even non-sport fans, such as myself, have been tuning in to the World Series and riding the fever of excitement. The play-off games have been competitive and stressful to watch, but when they win like last night, it is life at its best.

The highlight of the game for me was seeing the relief and joy with the final score on the faces of the crowd. The win unites fans citywide and families separated by distance and even life itself. How many signs have we seen that read, “This one’s for Grandpa,” or hear people talk about how much their deceased parent would have loved this day?

Cubs fans are noted for their loyalty. Win or lose they stand behind their team, filling the bleachers, cheering, and ever-hopeful. When there’s a loss, sadness is deep. But they never give up on tomorrow.

Such loyalty is harder to find today. We no longer live in a town our whole life or work at a company our entire career. The connection and obligation to protect each other’s back has switched to every-man-for himself. And nothing is more hurtful then when that close friend or relative not only isn’t there when needed, but outright causes harm by speaking against us or sabotaging our happiness.

Since Roman times Irish mothers have handed down their Claddagh ring to their daughters in hopes that their children find true love. The ring symbolizes friendship, love, and loyalty. These are the most prized characteristics of every relationship.

It’s easy to be there when friends and relatives are fun, have money to share, and are happy. True friends and relatives are there when we struggle, they share that never-give-up spirit. They are like Cub fans, loyal and supportive in good times and bad.

Go Cubs, Go!

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Friendship, Love, and Loyalty Saturday, Mar 14 2015 

Culture and Everyday Life and History and Holiday , , , , , , , , Mary K. Doyle 1:06 pm

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Shamrocks are perhaps the most common symbol of the Irish, but Claddaghs can’t be far behind. Americans from all nationalities are familiar with the intricate design, most often seen on rings, but it’s doubtful many know what it represents, much less how to say it.

The word Claddagh, pronounced klah-duh, is rich in meaning and tradition. The full Gaelic name actually is fainne Claddagh and symbolizes elements of a long-lasting relationship, specifically friendship, love, and loyalty. With these three qualities, all else, such as respect, compassion, patience, and understanding, are sure to follow. Since Roman times Irish mothers have handed down their Claddagh to their daughters in hopes that they find true love.

The Claddagh is comprised of three elements: hands which represent friendship; a heart for love; and a crown for loyalty. How the ring is worn also is symbolic:

  • If you are available and looking, the heart points toward the world and away from you.
  • If your heart has been taken, the ring’s heart points toward you.

The story is that the first Claddagh ring was designed by a young man in ancient times from the village of Claddagh, Ireland who was separated from his beloved when he was captured and sold into slavery. While in captivity, he stole small amounts of gold from his master until he had enough to fashion the special ring. When the two were finally reunited, the young man was delighted to find his lady had waited for him. He gave her the ring as a sign of their enduring love.

©2015, Mary K. Doyle

 

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