Tynwald Day Bollan Bane—Manx Folklore For Rabbits

Now, gather 'round. Find a cosy spot, settle in, and let your ears perk up, for I have a tale to tell. This is my tale of how the Isle of Man found its most enchanting tune. And like all the best tales, it begins on a day unlike any other: Tynwald Day.

Once upon a time, in the heart of the Isle of Man, where the hills are as green as emeralds and the skies as blue as sapphires, lived a curious young fellow Rabbit. Rabbit was known far and wide for his endless curiosity and his penchant for wandering into places he ought not to be. But on this Tynwald Day, Rabbit's curiosity would lead him into an adventure unlike any other.

It was the 5th of July, a day like no other on our beloved Isle. This is the day our esteemed Manx parliament gathers atop Tynwald Hill to proclaim new laws, speaking them aloud in English and Manx Gaelic. Imagine that! It is a grand tradition, one we hold dear, for it is the oldest continuous parliament in the world, stretching back more than a thousand years.

The air was thick with excitement and tradition. Rabbit's grandmother had often spoken of the magic that lingered in the air on this day, of the Bollan Bane plant that could ward off evil and the mischievous Lil' Fellas who played tricks on the unsuspecting.

As the sun climbed higher, Rabbit slipped away from the bustling crowd, his heart set on finding the fabled Bollan Bane. He wandered through the fields until he found a patch growing by an old stone wall. He picked a sprig with great care and pinned it to his shirt, feeling a thrill of anticipation.

As night fell and the celebration grew even more lively, Rabbit's feet tapped to the rhythms, but his mind was on the stories of the fairies. Determined to witness their magic, he ventured further into the hills. The moon was high when he heard it—a melody so sweet it made his heart ache. He followed the sound until he came upon a ring of Lil' Fellas, dancing and playing their beautiful tune under the moonlight.

The tune was as quick and sprightly as the dance of the leaves in the wind, yet it held a sweetness that spoke of the ancient hills and the whispering streams of the Isle of Man. The melody danced up and down, each note twinkling like the stars that watched over Rabbit's late-night adventure.

It began with a quick, lilting rhythm, inviting listeners to tap their feet and join in the dance:

🎵 Fa-la-la-la, fa-la-la-la, dee-dum dee-dum da-da 🎵

The first part of the tune was playful, filled with the light-hearted mischief of the Lil' Fellas. It twirled and spun, much like the fairies themselves, weaving a spell of joy and mirth:

🎵 Tum-tee-tee, tum-tee-tee, fa-la-la-la-lee 🎵

Then, the melody dipped into a softer, more melodic phrase, echoing the rolling hills and serene landscapes of the Isle:

🎵 La-la-la-la, dee-da-dee-da, dum-da-da-dum-dee 🎵

It rose again, bursting with the energy of the Manx spirit, strong and free:

🎵 Fa-la-la-la, fa-la-la-la, dee-dum dee-dum da-da 🎵

Hidden behind a tree, Rabbit listened intently, the melody weaving its way into his heart. But when he tried to leave, the tune slipped from his memory like water through his fingers. Frustrated, he remembered his grandmother's advice about the Bollan Bane. He touched the sprig on his shirt, and like magic, the melody stayed with him, clear and sweet.

Rabbit began his journey home, Triumphant, but his adventure was not over, for he had unwittingly stepped on Lus y Chiolg, St. John's Wort. Suddenly, the ground trembled, and a fairy horse with eyes like glimmering stars rose from the earth.

Without warning, Rabbit found himself on the horse's back, racing through the night. The wind howled in his ears, and the world became a blur. They galloped across the hills, swift as shadows, until just before dawn, the horse suddenly stopped, vanishing into the first rays of the morning sun.

Rabbit stumbled home, exhausted but exhilarated, with the enchanting tune still ringing in his ears. On Tynwald Day, as the new laws were proclaimed and the people of the Isle rejoiced, Rabbit shared his adventure and the beautiful melody he had learned from the Lil' Fellas.

And so, the Isle of Man gained its most beloved tune, a melody that would be played for generations to come. From that day forth, the people wore Bollan Bane at Tynwald, and they took great care not to step on Lus y Chiolg lest they find themselves whisked away on a fairy horse.

So, you see, my dear listeners, how the Isle of Man got its tune and why the traditions of Tynwald Day are cherished to this very day. And if ever you find yourself on the Isle of Man on the 5th of July, listen closely, and you might just hear the magic in the air.

And now, with hearts full of wonder, let us look forward to the celebrations. Welcome, one and all, and let the spirit of Tynwald Day fill you with joy and enchantment!

As our tale comes to a close, I want to thank every one of you for gathering here in our charming land to listen to a story. Your presence brings warmth and joy to this magical place, and I am ever so grateful for it.

I invite you all to stick around to share more stories, tears, laughter, and a song or two. There's always another adventure waiting just around the corner, and I'd be delighted to have you join me. Follow along, and together, we'll explore the wonders of our island and beyond.

And to all of you who read these stories aloud to your loved ones, I hope you have as much fun telling them as I have sharing them with you. When you come to the tune of the Lil' Fellas, remember that it's sung with the heart, which is the most important thing. Enjoy singing that song aloud, wherever you are, and let the magic fill your heart.

⁕The ideas in this story were borrowed from Manx folklore.