Tynwald Day

Someday, I would like to explore why so many countries have their independence day celebrations in early July. For today though I would like to feature Tynwald Day, The Isle of Man celebration. This island Celtic nation sits between Ireland and the UK in the middle of the Irish Sea. It is unique among the Celtic Nations.  It is a self-governing Crown dependency. For practical purposes that means it is part of the UK but it has its own name on the UK currency, its own parliament, and a unique history. The country looks much like a smaller Ireland. In fact, a wonderful Irish movie, The Waking of Ned Devine, was filmed at Cregneach Folk Village. I sampled my first crumpet there. In fact, the Manx breakfast is very British-not just crumpets but kippers, too. In fact, “over across” refers to England, and Manchester accents suggested to me the strong tie to England. As for understanding the Manx language, I did not have much occasion to hear it. Like Irish or Scotch Gaelic, it is not used in everyday commerce.

I have ridden past the four-tiered hill of Tynwald outside Douglas, the modern capital. However, I did not get to stop to walk the land or visit the chapel of St. John. History and legend have it that this was a Viking site before the common era, and the Isle of Man parliament is said to be the oldest continuous parliament.

Image courtesy of the BBC

Tynwald Day then is the National Manx Holiday celebrating this parliament, called the High Court and consisting of a bicameral body, like so many countries have copied. They have a House of Keys that is directly elected and then a Legislative Council. While both meet monthly in Douglas,  in July they convene with pomp and ceremony at Tynwald Hill. Like other Celtic nations, a symbolic Sword of State plays a role in the ceremonies.

The formalities are followed by a day-in fact, a week- of festivities, picnics, charitable fundraising events, and celebratory gatherings. The original date coincided with the summer solstice but was moved when the calendar changed.

Diana Xarissa writes two cozy mystery series based on the Isle of Man that richly call upon its culture, history, and attractions. If you want to learn more about this lesser-known Celtic nation, her books are a fun way to do so. Also, it is a lovely place to visit. Contact me if you would like more information on traveling there and getting around the island.