
Isle of Man Stamps & Coins is delighted to announce the release of a colourful new set of 12 stamps, created alongside Manx artist Felicity Wood and Culture Vannin in celebration of the 2026 Blein ny Gaelgey (Year of the Manx Language).
Kegeesh Ommidjagh – Foolish Fortnight - is the traditional Manx two-week festive period beginning on the shortest day of the year (Black Thomas’ Eve, around 21st December) continuing until the Twelfth Night (Old Christmas Day, 6th January). During this special time, only essential work was carried out and the Island paused to enjoy many parties, gatherings, and celebrations.
The issue celebrates the rich traditions and customs of the festive season in the Isle of Man in support of Culture Vannin’s Blein ny Gaelgey - Year of the Manx Language. Across 12 vibrant designs, each stamp brings to life a different aspect of Manx Christmas and New Year customs, highlighting the unique language, folklore and traditions that continue to shape the Island’s cultural identity.
The title Kegeesh Ommidjagh, translating from Manx to English as “Foolish Fortnight”, captures the playful spirit traditionally associated with the festive period. Christmas has long been a time for gathering with family and friends, storytelling, music, dancing, food and good-natured mischief — all of which are reflected throughout the collection.
Maxine Cannon, Isle of Man Stamps & Coins General Manager comments, “This special release brings together so many elements that make Manx culture unique – our language, traditions, storytelling and sense of humour. Working with Felicity has allowed us to present these festive customs in a wonderfully colourful and engaging way, while supporting Culture Vannin’s Year of the Manx Language. These stamps will be used on cards and parcels travelling across the Island this festive season, while carrying a little piece of Manx Christmas around the world.”
Each of the 12 stamps offers a window into a different Manx festive tradition. From seasonal celebrations to music, folklore and the customs long associated with the Isle of Man’s Christmas. The collection demonstrates how the festive calendar has provided generations with opportunities to pass stories, words and traditions from one generation to the next.
Discussing the stamp issue, Felicity Wood explains: “Christmas is a magical time in the Isle of Man, our Island has created many wonderful and unique traditions which have passed through the generations. My love for Manx traditions and culture inspired these artworks and I thoroughly enjoyed creating a warm, festive colour palette and imagining how the characters I created would enjoy each celebration regardless of their age, as there are Manx traditions for everyone when it comes to Christmas!”
This festive issue also carries special significance as it is released in support of two important anniversaries being celebrated in 2026: the 90th anniversary of Sight Matters Isle of Man and the 150th anniversary of Mothers’ Union, celebrating their longstanding contribution to our community this festive season through the core postal products this Christmas.
Cathryn Bradley, Sight Matters CEO remarks: “Sight Matters (Manx Blind Welfare Society) is delighted to partner with Isle of Man Post Office for this year’s festive collection. Christmas is a time centred around connection, tradition and bringing people together - values that sit at the very heart of everything the Society does. Having our work recognised on such an iconic, everyday piece of Island heritage during our 90th anniversary year is incredibly special. We hope these beautiful stamps bring joy to everyone sending Christmas and season's greetings across the Island and around the world.”
Rachael Anderson, Mothers Union comments: “As Mothers’ Union celebrates 150 years of faith in action, we are delighted to see our anniversary recognised through the Isle of Man’s Christmas stamp issue. For 150 years, Mothers’ Union has been working alongside communities around the world to strengthen family life and to challenge the injustice, violence and poverty that prevent families and individuals from flourishing. At Christmas, we celebrate hope, peace and love, and we are grateful for the opportunity this stamp issue brings to share our story and our continuing commitment to building a more just and peaceful world for all.”
Ruth Keggin Gell, Manx Language Development Officer, Culture Vannin states: "These beautifully illustrated stamps are a wonderful way to share Manx culture throughout the Island and beyond; many of these festive traditions are still held annually and hold an important place in people's hearts. I feel sure that these stamps will help spark curiosity about and encourage more people to engage with our living cultural heritage, which is for everyone to enjoy. With its visible and vibrant use of Manx Gaelic, the issue also helps mark the conclusion of a fantastic year celebrating Blein ny Gaelgey, Year of the Manx Language. Pop one on a postcard and spread some joy!"
Stamp Descriptions
Cammag: The traditional Manx sport of Cammag was once played anywhere and at any time, with players using a stick to chase a ball and try to score goals. As Cammag became less commonly played, it developed into a special Christmas tradition, with a match held every year on St Stephen’s Day (26th December) between two teams — North and South — based on where people live in the Island. In 2025, the match saw the largest attendance and number of players ever recorded.
Cutting Off the Fiddler’s Head: There would be one final party to bring the festivities to a close, and as part of the evening’s fun, people would pretend to cut off the fiddler’s head. The fiddler would then playfully predict the future by resting their head on a lady’s lap and announcing who she would marry.
Nativity Plays: A Manx school’s annual production of the Nativity story, where children perform the story of the birth of Jesus through acting, singing, and costumes. These special Christmas performances bring families and the community together to celebrate the festive season.
Kissing Bush: Christmas trees were only introduced during Victorian times. Before this, Manx cottages would have had a kissing bush instead. A strong hoop was decorated with items that were easy to find, such as ivy, apples, oranges, ribbons, or paper roses. The kissing bush was more about fun and celebration than romance, unlike the tradition of kissing under mistletoe today.
Laair Vane: People would create a white horse’s head, which was then carried around the community by someone hidden beneath a white sheet. This tradition, known as Laair Vane (“White Mare” in English), was a lively part of the festive winter nights, bringing laughter, excitement, and sometimes a little fright to homes and gatherings across the Island.
Oie’l Thomase Doo: In the Isle of Man, 21st December is known as Black St Thomas’ Eve. Long ago, Manx people would take a fortnight away from work to celebrate the Christmas season as part of Kegeesh Ommidjagh (Foolish Fortnight). Farm work stopped, spinning wheels were put away, and net making was set aside. Close to the winter solstice, the “Black” in St Thomas’ Eve refers to how dark the days were before electric lighting.
Writing Christmas Cards: 2026 has been the Year of the Manx Language, a ‘Jeebin’ initiative encouraging everyone to use and celebrate our indigenous language. This card has been sent to the little Wren from its friend the Mouse and reads Wren veen, Nollick Ghennal as Blein Vie Noa, Lesh yeearreeyn share Mouse – Dear Wren, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, best wishes Mouse.
Mollag Band: A Manx festive tradition where each community would have their own mollag bands. These groups would go out into the streets to dance, sing, and play music, hoping to receive a few pennies from their audiences. At least one person in the band would take on the role of the fool, dressing up as an animal or performing playful tricks and gymnastics to entertain the crowd.
Hunt the Wren: One of the most distinctive Manx traditions, still celebrated today on St Stephen’s Day (26th December). Long ago, young boys would head out early in the morning to try to be the first to catch a wren. The bird was then placed in a wreath on top of a pole, with people gathering around to dance and sing. Today, the tradition continues with a symbolic wren, centuries after any birds stopped being harmed.
Mollag Mischief: Mollags are inflated animal-skins used for fishing buoys. At Christmas time it was fun to tie a mollag to a stick with string and carry it around to hit people with as a part of the chaotic fun!
Oie'll Verree: A gathering at a church on Christmas Eve, where the community would attend a special service. After the vicar finished the service and left the church, the community remained behind to sing special Manx songs called Carvals. Between the songs, people would enjoy themselves, and the young women might even throw dried peas at the men! The stained-glass window also includes the Mother's Union logo, marking the organisation's 150th anniversary in 2026.
Quaaltagh: Manx festive folklore says that it is good luck for the first person to enter a home in the new year to be a tall, dark-haired man carrying a lump of coal. Known as the Quaaltagh in Manx, these visitors would often be welcomed into homes by the host and offered a drink as a sign of friendship and good fortune.
Released on 20th October 2026, the Kegeesh Ommidjagh – Foolish Fortnight collection is available online at iomstamps.com/collections/FoolishFortnight. The collection includes a Set, First Day Cover, Presentation Pack, Self-Adhesive Postal Booklets (10 x IOM / 10 x UK Values), VVD Set and VVD First Day Cover. The stamps are available to purchase at all Post Office’s across the Island.
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Technical Details
Artwork: Felicity Wood
Text: Felicity Wood & Culture Vannin
Design: Felicity Wood & EJC Design
Printer: bpost
Process: Offset Lithography
Colours: 4
Paper: Tullis Russell Tru White Litho FSC NEW
Perforations: 11.5 per 2cm
Stamp Size: 32mm x 32mm
Format: Sheets of 12
Date of Issue: 20th October 2026
Limited Editions: Presentation Packs 1,000; First Day Covers 1,500
Notes to editor
· Culture Vannin’s Blein ny Gaelgey (Year of the Manx Language) celebrates the Island’s unique native language, raising awareness of its history, cultural importance and continued revival. Spearheaded by Culture Vannin, the year-long programme encourages people of all ages to discover, use and celebrate Manx Gaelic, ensuring it remains a vibrant part of Island life. Celebrate Blein ny Gaelgey this Christmas by visiting www.yearofmanx.im
· Felicity Wood is a Manx artist, illustrator and children’s non-fiction author whose work celebrates the heritage of the Isle of Man. Drawing inspiration from the Island’s rich history, she creates local artworks in a distinctive and playful style. Her designs often incorporate Manx words, customs and traditions, encouraging people to connect with the Island’s unique history and identity. View her work online at www.felicitywooddesigns.com
· Mothers Union is celebrating 150 Years since its beginnings in 1876 started by Mary Sumner to support family life. With over 4 million members worldwide we work in communities to reduce poverty, injustice, violence and abuse through local and international projects. Working together with local people we offer support in practical ways, sharing our skills to build hope and confidence within our community. Inspired by Gods love we believe that kindness, courage, compassionate action and faith has the power to change lives and build a future where everyone thrives. For more information, please visit www.mothersunion.org
· From 1936 to 2026, Sight Matters (Manx Blind Welfare Society) has spent 90 years supporting and empowering the Island's blind and visually impaired community, children and adults alike, to live life to the full. Independent and independently funded our member services offer fun, friendship, social connection and confidence building. For more information, please visit www.sightmatters.im
· High resolution images can be found below.
Product Descriptions
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Mint Set |
One of each stamp supplied in pristine condition. |
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First Day Cover |
A specially designed envelope on which a full set of stamps are affixed and cancelled on the first day of issue featuring a special postmark. |
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Presentation Pack |
A folder containing a set of stamps inserted within a clear acetate mounted black card. |
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Postal Booklet (IOM / UK Values) |
Contains 10 self-adhesive stamps available from IOMPO counter networks for customer Christmas postings from 22nd October. Available in two variants, IOM local rate (10 x 90p stamps) or UK rate (10 x £1 stamps) booklets. |
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VVD Set |
A set of 12 variable value definitive self-adhesive stamps supplied for collectors. |
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VVD First Day Cover |
A set of 12 variable value definitive self-adhesive stamps affixed across two First Day Covers, cancelled on the first day of issue featuring a special postmark. |
The full range of products from this collection can be viewed at iompost.com/collections/FoolishFortnight
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Sales & Marketing Maxine Cannon (Available 24/7) Phone: +44 (0)1624 698 437 Mobile: +44 (0)7624 497 248 Email: Maxine.Cannon@iompost.com |
Customer Services Office hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm GMT Phone: +44 (0)1624 698 430 Email: stamps@iompost.com
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