Have you heard of the kissing bush?

New film released about a Manx tradition

A new short film shining a light on the little-known Manx Christmas custom of the Kissing Bush has just been released.

Produced by Culture Vannin and released online, the film explores the festive decoration, which was common in Manx homes long before Christmas trees became the decoration of choice.

James Franklin, Culture Vannin’s Online & Educational Resources Officer, says the tradition is well worth revisiting: “Customs like the Kissing Bush are fascinating because they connect us with our past and offer different ways to mark the seasons. And, of course, they bring a touch of Manx fun to the festivities.”

Around 150 years ago, the Kissing Bush was the key Christmas decoration on the Isle of Man.

A ring of holly and ivy, hung from the ceiling and adorned with ribbons and small ornaments, it served as the focal point of the Manx Christmas household - much as the Christmas tree does today. 

But unlike the calm, decorative role of today’s tree, the Kissing Bush represented mischief and merriment.

Placed deliberately in the middle of the room, it gave people the chance to steal a kiss, and according to accounts from the time, it offered a welcome break from the era’s stricter social rules.

To celebrate this unique Manx custom, Culture Vannin has now created a film demonstrating how it’s made. 

Jo Callister and Adam Horne gather holly, ivy and other materials, assemble the Kissing Bush, and finally hang it in their home - ending, fittingly, with a kiss.

Dr Breesha Maddrell, Director of Culture Vannin, says: “It’s wonderful that the Isle of Man has traditions so rooted in our natural environment, and equally wonderful that we have people like Adam and Jo to help share them. Much of our work at Culture Vannin aims to highlight sustainable crafts that people can bring back into their own festive celebrations.”

The film is now available on the Culture Vannin website and on YouTube, along with a wider collection of videos and resources exploring Manx customs throughout the year, including other Christmas traditions such as Hunt the Wren and Cammag.

A dedicated Kissing Bush resource page has also been added to the Culture Vannin website, featuring historical references compiled by Manx folklorist and historian Stephen Miller RBV.

You can watch the film, and find out how to make your own Kissing Bush at www.culturevannin.im