The green man is a recurring figure in art and architecture. He shows up in English and French churches as early as the 12th century and in mosaics in instanbul as far back as the 6th? (Thank you Wikipedia)
People seem to think he’s a symbol of rebirth and regeneration, but no one really knows. Unlike Jenny Greenteeth or the Babadook, he hasn’t been linked to a specific pagan entity.
But he’s gotta be someone right?
As sure as we are that our teddy bears secretly judge our personal choices, we can all agree that there has gotta be a plant man.
There is something out there in nature, constantly growing, reclaining ground, stopping only temporily when the world literally freezes.
I noticed he’s always simetrical, which seems weird for something that represents nature, I think that’s an attempt to tame him somewhat.
But, Anyone who’s tried to grow a garden or met a squirrel know that nature is unpredictable, and unrelenting.
Min is intentionally irregular, like wwhen you sddenly see a face in something that should not have a face.
He’s made of wood and bugs and mushrooms, beauty and decay.
It’s Thanksgiving this weekend, so as we gather together in the hope that we have put enough aside to keep the wolves at bay for another Canadian winter, remember to leave a little dirt under your pillow for the Green Man.
Photo Credit: Simon Garbutt