German sensitivities…

Writing about web page http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/isle_of_man/5134566.stm

Manx flag causes World Cup mix–up

I was over on the Isle of Man for my gran's 99th birthday at the weekend, and spotted in the news that a supporter from the island who tried to fly the Manx flag at a World Cup game was marched off by police in handcuffs after it was mistaken for a Nazi Swastika.

I guess the German police were expecting trouble.

As it's the Manx national holiday "Tynwald Day" today a little education might be in order (Tynwald is the Manx Parliament and at over 1000 years old, it is the oldest parliament in the world in continuous existence):

Why the three leg symbol was adopted by the Isle of Man is unknown, but its existence can be traced as far back as the thirteenth century. It was first used as the coat of armours or armorial bearings by island kings from Norway. The accompanying motto is "Quoconque jeceris stabit" translating literally as "Whithersoever you throw it, it will stand"

By the way, local people have an explanation as to why the legs turn anti–clockwise; this is in order that they do not kneel to the British!

Alison Bell : 05 Jul 2006 18:36 |  Tags: World Cup |  Comments (0) |  Report a problem