MANX FOLKLORE - COWS

In former times it was always possible that the Manxman numbered among his cattle one or more cows which were not what they appeared to be to a casual eye.

These were 'sea-cows' or grey seals, which had assumed the shape of ordinary cows and come ashore for a lengthy period. They were luck-bringing visitors to the herd, for they promoted fertility and insured health and vigour in the calves, much as the supernumerary goat did.

'Seal' is a word still used occasionally I am told, as an adjective with the meaning of 'lucky', especially in farmyard matters.


(source: A Second Manx Scrapbook by W W Gill, 1932; artwork http://bit.ly/19seYFu)