Flag of the Isle of Man | |
| Use | Civil and state flag  |
| Proportion | 1:2[1] |
| Adopted | August 27th, 1971 |
| Design | A triskelion, the Three Legs of Mann emblem, in the centre of a red flag. |
Flag ratio: 1:2
The flag of the Isle of Man shows a triskelion, the Three Legs of Mann emblem, in the centre of a red flag. The three legs are joined at the thigh and bent at the knee. In order to have the toes pointing clockwise on both sides of the flag, a two-sided emblem is used.
The Manx flag is based on the coat-of-arms of the last recognized Norse King of Mann, Magnus III. A modified version of this coat-of-arms is still in use by Magnus' descendants in Norway, the Skanke family.
The triskelion has its roots in an early Celtic sun symbol that was also used by many other ancient civilizations including the Mycenaeans and the Lycians. The flag is similar to that of Sicily.
A red ensign with the triskelion in the fly is used as civil ensign. It was in use until 1935 when it was abolished. On 18 September 1971, the Manx red ensign was reinstated.[1]
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