Creative Grants Announced to Celebrate the Manx Language
As the golden fields of the Isle of Man yield their final sheaves, Yn Mheillea season begins. Mheillea (pronounced mel-ya) is the traditional Manx harvest celebration, rooted in centuries-old customs that honour the land, its offerings, and the labour invested in it.
Historically, the final sheaf of corn was shaped into a figure known as the Babban ny Mheillea, which is Manx Gaelic for the “Harvest Baby.” This marked the official end of the harvest. Cutting the last sheaf was often made into a challenge, with reapers attempting to strike it down by throwing a stone, adding a playful element to the work.
The close of the harvest was followed by communal gatherings, with food, music, dance, and song. These events reinforced strength of communities, bringing neighbours together to share in the results of the season’s labour. A traditional verse of a song reflects the spirit of the time:
Mheillea, Mheillea, dy bannee yn Mheillea,
Ta mee goll dy chur yn Mheillea,
Ta mee goll dy chur yn Mheillea,
As dy bannee yn Mheillea.
(Harvest, harvest, bless the harvest,
I am going to give the harvest,
I am going to give the harvest,
And bless the harvest.)
In a UNESCO Biosphere, culture is valued alongside environment and community. Yn Mheillea is a reminder of the relationship between people, place, and season, and of the importance of sustaining traditions that connect us to the land. Culture Vannin have lots of interesting resources on Manx traditions and customs, including this on Yn Mheillea.
Continuing to mark such occasions strengthens community identity and reinforces the values of sustainability and sense of place in our Biosphere. There are traditional songs, dances and poems that have been written to celebrate this time of year, which can also be explored through Culture Vannin’s website and YouTube channel.
