Laair Vane: A Manx Wintertime tradition
Channel: Culture Vannin
Date: 2021-06-29

A strange tradition for the Kegeesh Ommidjagh (Foolish Fortnight) around Christmas in the Isle of Man...

A horse's head snapping its terrifying jaws at you is probably not what many might associate with Christmastime, but this Laair Vane (White Mare) was once a key part of the Manx Christmas period.
This dressed up in a white sheet with a horse's skull would enter festive gatherings and cause a ruckus until it was chased from the room.
More about the tradition is available here: https://www.culturevannin.im/manxfolklore/laair-vane-610609/

This short film was made on St. Stephen's Day (26 December) after the annual Cammag match in St. John's. More about Cammag can be found here: https://www.culturevannin.im/manxfolklore/cammag-560072/

The film was made with thanks to Feeagh Joughin and the Tynwald Inn, St. John's.

This film was produced by Culture Vannin in 2021.
Culture Vannin exists to promote, support and celebrate the culture of the Isle of Man.
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