Celtic festival of Hop-tu-Naa celebrated on Island

Thu, 31 Oct 2019

Islanders will be celebrating the traditional Celtic festival of Hop tu Naa today.

The Manx Gaelic Hop tu Naa comes from ‘Shoh ta’n Oie’, meaning ‘This is the Night’.

It's an ancient Celtic celebration falling on 31st October, marking the last night of the Celtic New Year and is the oldest continuous Manx tradition.

Tradtionally, it was when farmers celebrated a safely gathered harvest and all the preparations were made for the long winter ahead.

Those who celebrate often carve turnips, or 'moots'. 

Culture Vannin have been visiting schools across the Island to educate pupils about traditional customs and folklore.

Dr Chloe Woolley from Culture Vannin said: 'There has been a definite shift in attitudes and awareness of Hop tu naa amongst the schools visited and it's encouraging to see how proud the children are of their own unique traditions.

'We have noticed a steady increase in the number of children and teachers who already know Hop tu naa songs, and we were delighted this year to hear yet another different version from a child at St John's school: Hop tu Naa! Hop tu Naa! Jinny the Witch fell into the ditch, she found a penny and thought she was rich!'

To find out more about Hop tu naa and Yn Mheillea visit Culture Vannin's website.

You can also watch some videos of some of the less well known Hop tunaa songs:

Castletown Version: https://youtu.be/YHvsbqlLI2A

Ramsey Version: https://youtu.be/5iwgnHc8lUI

My Mother's Gone Away: https://youtu.be/wKNhnQ7tH3Q

 

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