I started this subject because of a reference to Manx Gaelic in another topic.
Many people outside Europe do not know this beautiful little island exists, and even fewer know it has it's own unique parliament, laws, currency bills, and it's own language.
The Isle of Man is in the middle of the Irish Sea, less than 60 miles from the West coast of England, and within reach by sea or air from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
How big is the Isle of Man?It is 33 miles long, 13 miles wide and covers an area of 227 square miles. More than 40% of the Island is uninhabited.
I have visited the Isle of Man several times; I was fascinated to learn that my mother-in-law, who was a young lady from Swampscott, Massachusetts had also visited during WWII. She was enchanted by the island, and found it a peaceful haven after the constant bombardment of London, where she worked for the Red Cross.
Here are a few facts I have put together:
What makes the Isle of Man different from anywhere else in the British Isles? Many things! The Island is a unique self-governing kingdom - a Crown dependency which belongs to neither the UK nor the European Union.
Through it's own ancient Parliament,
Tynwald, the island enjoys a high degree of domestic legislative and political autonomy
Dating back to Viking origins over 1,000 years ago, Tynwald is the oldest legislature in the world in continuous existence. It has two branches: the House of Keys and the Legislative Council.
The Isle of Man has it's own laws, traditions, culture, cuisine and postage stamps. But as a holiday island it is best known for its very agreeable and relaxed pace of life, along with a wealth of attractions and places to stay.
And while other differences include the Manx language and currency (though English is the spoken tongue and English and UK currencies are accepted everywhere), they drive on the left as in the UK, and road signs are in English.
Fascinating fact....The manx tongue, a form of Gaelic, is a Celtic langauge which was universally spoken until it went into decline in the 18th century. Today it is being revived thanks to the Manx Gaelic Society (Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh).
Another Fascinating fact...The Three Legs of Man is the island's symbol of Independence. While there is much local argument about which way the legs run (officially it is clockwise), the symbol's meaning is undisputed:
Quocunque Jeceris Stabit - 'Whichever way you throw me I stand'.