12 January 2023
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The four-stamp set features Manx's famous three-legged symbol
The triskelion, which has been a symbol of Manxness for nearly 1,000 years, is one of the world’s oldest continually used national symbols. Originally derived from an early sun symbol, It can be seen everywhere on the Isle of Man, appearing on banknote a coins as well as historic buildings and contemporary commercial branding.
The original triskelion’s Pagan significance related to triple gods and the three domains of land, sea and sky. It was also believed to represent the cycles of life the Triple Goddess: Maiden, Mother, Crone. The original legs, introduced by Alexander lll of Scotland in 1265, were bare, but by the 14th century had acquired golden armour and spurs. The legs usually run clockwise and the meaning of the Latin motto that accompanies it translates as ‘it will stand whichever way you throw it’ – which reflects the independence and resilience of the Manx people.
Nowadays, as the national symbol, the triskelion also relates to the Isle of Man’s Parliament, with its three divisions: the House of Keys, Legislative Council and Tynwald. And now, reflecting its role in government, the Triskelion Collection is the Isle of Man’s first stamp set to bear the cypher of the new monarch, King Charles lll.
‘Nothing represents the Isle of Man more than its symbol, the triskelion,’ said Isle of Man Stamps and Coins General Manager, Maxine Cannon. ‘How befitting therefore that HM King Charles III Lord of Mann should grant his approval to issue the Triskelion Collection as our first set of Isle of Man stamps to feature his cypher. This is a new era for Isle of Man Post Office and the start of a new chapter in our 50th Anniversary Year.’