The flag of the Isle of Man (Manx: Ellan Vannin) is a red background with a triskelion in the centre. a triskelion is a symbol consisting of three protrusions with threefold symmetry. in the case of this flag, the protrusions are counter-clockwise bent legs with spurs.
The three legs facing every direction represent the motto of the isle of man, "quocunque jeceris stabit" (wherever you throw it, it will stand).
Symbolism[]
There are many theories on what the manx triskelion represents.
One theory says that Ewen Macdougall created the triskelion from three sown together legs of the Isle of Man's citizens who led a rebellion against him and Magnus III. Macdougall saw his subject's worth only in the labour they carried out for him and the taxes payed to the royal family. After beating down the rebellion, one of the leader's legs was lost, so he only had three to work with. Macdougall, not being very bright, actually thought the legs could walk, if sown together fast enough. Of course the legs never stood whichever way the King threw them, only showcasing his own stupidity and madness to everyone involved. He also created a quadskelion with arms, which Magnus used to quadruple slap people for fun at the victor's ceremony.
Another theory is that the triskelion represents the Celtic Sea God, Mannanin, who in manx mythology was the protector of the isle of man. It is said that Mannanin turned into three legs to combat Saint Patrick and assert himself over his people. It is also possible that both are correct, as the motto of the Isle of Man is what Mannanin proclaimed after changing into the three legs. Manx people will often tell you out of humour that the flag has counter-clockwise facing legs so that they are unable to kneel to the British.
Other flags[]
Subdivisions of the United Kingdom
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