Jeihosphere - 10 Exhibits

Napin Hop Tu Naa

Hop tu Naa moot

A moot (turnip) lantern marks Hop tu Naa, or Oie Houney (“ee how-nuh”), celebrated on 31 October. As the original Celtic new year, it signals the end of the harvest, the beginning of winter, and a time for reflection, renewal, and preparing for the darker months.

More than a seasonal tradition, the moot reflects how culture is practised, shared, and renewed. Through stories, songs, and community gatherings, Hop tu Naa strengthens communal memory and connects people to the landscape and to one another.

Hop tu naa on Culture Vannin 

More about the moot

Drean

Wren

The Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), one of the Island’s smallest birds, holds a prominent place in Manx folklore. Known as the “king of all birds”, it is central to the St Stephen’s Day (Laa’l Steaion) tradition of Hunt the Wren, linked to the legend of the enchantress Tehi Tegi returning each year in the form of a Wren after being banished by Manannan.

Though the tradition nearly disappeared during the twentieth century, it has been revived through music, dance, and community celebrations. The Wren highlights the close connection between nature, culture, and heritage, and the role traditions play in fostering identity, belonging, and a sense of place.

Learn more about Hunt the Wren

Read The King of All Birds by Sophia Morrison 

Bratteeyn yn Aeglagh

Youth Flags

In 2026, the Biosphere Isle of Man Youth Network and Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere each created a flag representing their place, values, and aspirations.

Each of the flags, hung in the arches at the top of the gallery, were rowed across the Irish Sea by Wigtown Bay Coastal Rowing Club; the flags symbolise friendship between neighbouring Biosphere Reserves and our place in the global network of UNESCO Biospheres. They celebrate youth leadership, creativity, and international cooperation, highlighting the role young people play in helping to shape the future of both their local communities and the wider world.

Join the Biosphere IOM Youth network

Learn more about UNESCO Biosphere Reserves

Find out more about what happened when Wigtown Bay Coastal Rowing Club visited two Biosphere Reserves in one day 

FWAG Aundyryn

FWAG Awards

Agriculture plays a vital role in shaping and managing approximately 80% of the Isle of Man’s landscape and countryside, supporting rural livelihoods, producing local food, and helping to care for the environment.

FWAG Isle of Man’s Bronze Chough Award recognises excellence in sustainable food production, environmental management, and wildlife conservation. Outstanding farms can go on to compete with farms across England and Wales for the Silver Lapwing Award, won by David and Robert Cooil of Ballagawne Farm in 2024. These awards highlight the vital role farmers play in caring for both people and the rest of nature. By combining sustainable food production with environmental stewardship, they demonstrate how resilient rural communities, a strong local economy, and thriving wildlife can all work hand in hand.

Follow FWAG Isle of Man for future events 

Ballagawne Farm – winners of the 2024 Silver Lapwing Award 

Understand the Countryside Code with the Manx National Farmers' Union