I had no idea that something so seemingly benign — the Claddagh ring — could be so horrifying to some. According to one of the stories contained within, the ring was designed for whores to wear, indicating whether or not they were ready and able to accept customers (heart outward facing) or, due to menses or disease, were not (crown outward facing). Of course, this “myth” (?) is quite different from the one that most people around here would tell you (heart outward: a woman is single, or not in love; crown outward: they are taken). Yes, the page design is deranged and silly (it is a GeoCities page, mind you) but it’s worth reading for a semi-uncomfortable laugh. (From Making Light.)