GCNT08 Spirit Of The Green Man

The Green Man is a widespread mythological figure—typically a male face made of or surrounded by leaves—symbolizing nature, rebirth, and the cycle of seasons. Common in medieval European church carvings, he represents the spirit of the forest and the regeneration of spring. He is often linked to pagan fertility gods. In Wicca, the Green Man is a representation of the Horned God; in Celtic mythology, Cernunnos (god of wild things) ; and in Greek, Pan. These Gods are all seen as rulers or representations of nature, wilderness, sexuality, and the life cycle. Despite his pagan appearance, he commonly appears on church and cathedral roofs, suggesting a fusion of pre-Christian life-death-rebirth cycles with Christian themes of resurrection. It is believed that leprechauns first originated from the Tuatha Dé Danann (Tribe of the Gods). In fact, the Tuatha Dé Danann were one of the first tribes to arrive in pre-Christian Ireland. Leprechauns are typically associated with the colour green, wearing a green or red coat and having a red or white beard.