Mhelliah

Mhelliah fairs are held traditionally at the end of summer or harvest time at which all produce grown/made is sold to the highest bidder in auction fashion. Dating back over a century, a mhelliah is thought to have originated in Celtic countries and is still a popular social occasion on the Isle of Man where they are held traditionally in the September/October of each year.

The format, besides that of an auction of produce, is sometimes accompanied by the singing of harvest festival hymns such as Come, Ye Thankful People, Come and We Plough the Fields and Scatter. These events are usually held in aid of charities but were originally social gatherings to celebrate the harvest and thank the Pagan Gods for a fruitful year. " On the day when the last of the harvest is saved in the Isle of Man, the farmer gives a supper to his farm people, and to the neighbours who have helped him to cut and house it. This supper, attended by simple and beautiful ceremonies, is called the Melliah [sic]" - from The Manxman by Hall Caine.