Manannan's Tribute: A Midsummer tradition in the Isle of Man
Channel: Culture Vannin
Date: 2018-07-03

Manannan was the first ruler of the Isle of Man. He ruled in peace, shrouding the Island in mist to protect it from potential invaders. All he asked of the people was a payment of rushes to be left on South Barrule each year...

This is one of the oldest known traditions on the Isle of Man, and the laying rushes in honour of our pre-Christian deity is still practised today, both in a public form at Tynwald Day and in more private ways which sees Manx people going up South Barrule on Midsummer Eve or Tynwald Day Eve still.
Here one family tell us about their own connection to the tradition.

More about the tradition can be found here: https://www.culturevannin.im/manx_year.html

The music in this piece is by the Manx Gaelic Choir, Caarjyn Cooidjagh. More information about them and their recordings is available here: http://www.manxmusic.com/performer_74543.html

The piece being performed is 'Manannan Ballad' - traditional Manx words set to original music by Annie Kissack.
The text is from the Traditional Ballad, 'Manannan Beg Ballad', which is available on the Sollys CD: http://www.manxmusic.com/publication_266847.html

This film is produced by Culture Vannin.
Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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