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Call to help measure Hop-tu-Naa traditions

Culture Vannin calls on community to help with study

How the Island marks Hop-tu-Naa paints an 'interesting picture' of who we are as a nation.

That's from Culture Vannin, which is conducting the first survey of its type to find out more about those going out to sing across the Island this year.

The organisation is hoping to create a simple overview of the tradition as it is practised today via an anonymous survey it's asking households to complete.

The hope is for people to keep track of a few simple things about those calling at their door on 31 October. 

Online and Educational Resources Officer James Franklin says our unique heritage has never been measured in a systematic or quantifiable way before:

You can find the survey HERE.

It is all anonymous, and no one needs to ask anyone any questions. 

Rather, volunteers will be asked to simply note down how many people visit, how many sing, what they sing, and whether they have carved turnips with them.

From this, Culture Vannin hope to create a simple overview of the tradition as it is practised today, and against which it can be measured in the future.

James added: "If a survey like this was available from 10 or 20 years ago, it would be fascinating to measure against it today. 

"So, we are starting it this year, so that people in the future can measure the traditions against it. 

"We are making it as simple as possible, in the hope that many people will lend a hand recording it as best we are able."

After the big day, completed forms, or pictures or digital versions thereof, can be returned via post to:

FAO James Franklin, Culture Vannin, Fairfield House, Main Road, St John's, IM4 3NA

Or via email to resources@culturevannin.im

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