Symbols Culture of the Isle of Man

manx triskelion

for centuries, island s symbol has been ancient triskelion, device similar sicily s trinacria: 3 bent legs, each spur, joined @ thigh. manx triskelion not appear have official design; government publications, currency, flags, tourist authority , others use different variants. most, not all, preserve rotational symmetry, running clockwise, others anti-clockwise. have uppermost thigh @ 1200, others @ 1130 or 1000, etc. have knee bent @ 90°, @ 60°, @ closer 120°. also, degree of ornamentation of leg wear , spur varies considerably.

sculpture bryan kneale called legs of man @ terminal entrance @ ronaldsway airport

the 3 legs reflected in island s motto (adopted late in symbol s history): quocunque jeceris stabit, traditionally translated latin whithersoever throw it, stand, or whichever way throw it, stand.

the origin of 3 legs of man (as called) explained in manx legend manannan repelled invasion transforming 3 legs , rolling down hill , defeating invaders.