I have three legs.

Isn’t it amazing, how our cultures are linked in unexpected ways!

Spain, France, Italy, Ireland, England, Isle of Man, Scotland…

Originally posted by mongu
It is the flag of the Isle of Man. If you check it, you’ll see it has a similarity to the ancient flag of Sicily (my fiancee is Sicilian-Australian, ironic or what). It is commonly known as the “Three Legs of Man”.

The authentic name is the “Triskelion” and it is accompanied by the national motto – “Quocuncue Jeceris Stabit”. I used to think the latin phrase meant “whichever way you throw me I land on my feet” but I’m not 100% sure on that. Either way, “Triskelion” is a derivation of the Greek for “Three Legged”

The Greek influence was believed to be responsible for the adoption of the Sicilian flag, which is similar except for a Medusa’s head in the centre. The Triskelion has been observed on rock-carvings in Italy.

Conversely, the Triskelion is part of Norse mythology and the Isle of Man has a population with Norse antecedents. The Vikings were the historic rulers, and they established the “Tynwald” which is our national parliament. It still runs the country today and means we can justifiably claim to be the oldest continuously existing democracy in the world.

There is a State opening of Tynwald every year. I missed last year (I was away) but King Harald of Norway opened it for us. The Queen herself is expected this year. Prince Charles opened it about 4 years ago I think (he flew over himself in his BAe 146).

Constitutionally, the Island is NOT part of the UK but is a dependent territory of the Commonwealth. As I’ve said, we have our own parliament, our own legislature, our own elections and our own currency. The UK is responsible for Defence and Foreign Relations, although the Island has sometimes acted by itself dimplomatically (we signed a tax treaty with the USA a few years ago)

Sorry to rant on, but I have to do my bit to promote the Island!

Thanks Mongu .

There are common roots with the French Celtic “Triskell”;

I’ve got two legs

I’ve got two legs
from my hips to the ground

and if i move ’em
I walk around.

If i lift them
i climb the stairs

And if i shave them
they ain’t got hairs
….

It is the flag of the Isle of Man. If you check it, you’ll see it has a similarity to the ancient flag of Sicily (my fiancee is Sicilian-Australian, ironic or what). It is commonly known as the “Three Legs of Man”.

The authentic name is the “Triskelion” and it is accompanied by the national motto – “Quocuncue Jeceris Stabit”. I used to think the latin phrase meant “whichever way you throw me I land on my feet” but I’m not 100% sure on that. Either way, “Triskelion” is a derivation of the Greek for “Three Legged”

The Greek influence was believed to be responsible for the adoption of the Sicilian flag, which is similar except for a Medusa’s head in the centre. The Triskelion has been observed on rock-carvings in Italy.

Conversely, the Triskelion is part of Norse mythology and the Isle of Man has a population with Norse antecedents. The Vikings were the historic rulers, and they established the “Tynwald” which is our national parliament. It still runs the country today and means we can justifiably claim to be the oldest continuously existing democracy in the world.

There is a State opening of Tynwald every year. I missed last year (I was away) but King Harald of Norway opened it for us. The Queen herself is expected this year. Prince Charles opened it about 4 years ago I think (he flew over himself in his BAe 146).

Constitutionally, the Island is NOT part of the UK but is a dependent territory of the Commonwealth. As I’ve said, we have our own parliament, our own legislature, our own elections and our own currency. The UK is responsible for Defence and Foreign Relations, although the Island has sometimes acted by itself dimplomatically (we signed a tax treaty with the USA a few years ago)

Sorry to rant on, but I have to do my bit to promote the Island!

at least this useless post by some idiot has turned into something slightly more uselfull….

Mongu ,

Can you explain the origin of this symbol?

Oi!

You cheeky bugger!!