The Triskelion Collection Stamps
The first four stamps on the sheet are from the Triskelion collection, which showcases the famous ‘three legs’ triskelion, one of the oldest continually used national symbols in the world.
The triskelion (also triskeles or triskel) is an ancient symbol believed to date back to Neolithic times. Derived from an ancient sun symbol, the Celtic triskel had various meanings for the early Pagans: it was linked to triadic gods and the three domains of land, sea and sky and was also believed to represent the cycles of life, as well as the Triple Goddess – the maiden, mother and wise woman.
The legs are usually seen to run clockwise and the symbol often appears with the Latin motto ‘Quocunque Jeceris Stabit,’ meaning ‘it will stand whichever way you throw it’ – a reference to the independence and resilience of the Manx people, who prefer the version ‘whichever way you throw me, I will stand!’
Designer, Emma Cooke, said “Designing the Triskelion stamps will always remain a special project for me as their origins are so entwined with the history and heritage of the Isle of Man that I see around me every day. I am very proud that they have been included in this innovative collaboration, and that I’ve been able to play my part in having Manx stamps on the Moon.”
We are very grateful to Emma Cooke for her enthusiasm for the subject and her generous donation of images for the issue.
