The Green Man – symbol of rebirth in Celtic Culture

The Green Man is represented in many cultures throughout the world as a head made of foliage. He is also known as the ‘Man in the Tree’, ‘Derg Corra, Viridios’ and ‘Jack o’ the Green’.

The Green Man - symbol of rebirth in Celtic Culture

He relates to Celtic culture and can still be seen today on architecture around Ireland and Britain, usually on religious buildings.

A symbol of rebirth

The Green Man represents the lushness of flourishing vegetation and the coming of spring and summer and is a symbol of rebirth and possibly the co-dependence between nature and man.

Ogham, the mysterious language of the trees The Origins of the Ogham alphabet are still a mystery for many historians, but it is primarily thought to be an early form of the Irish written Language. Bealtaine Fire

He appears as many characters in different mythologies. Since plants and vegetation are vital to life on earth, it makes sense that nearly every culture would have a deity devoted to it.

In Celtic mythology he could be related to both Cernunnos, the horned god and Viridios the male god of verdure.

Some historians believe that the human head was of particular importance to the Celts as it was container of the soul. In fact the Celts were known for taking heads as trophies in battle and heads appear frequently in Celtic art.

Vegetation is significant in Celtic culture

Celtic and Druid culture also revolves around trees and vegetation, so a symbol representing a head of foliage would have been particularly significant to the ancient Celts even if its origins lie elsewhere.

In modern times The Green Man is associated with environmental issues and has been used as a logo for environmentally-conscious, sustainable businesses such as eco-homes, landscaping and renewable energy.

There are also several music and nature festivals named after The Green Man, which combine music, art and folklore with the improvement of the environment.

The Shamrock

More Celtic Symbols

Celtic jewelry – symbols of love and friendship

Celtic festivals

Celtic Cross

Brigid’s Cross

How Ireland protects its harp and shamrock emblems…take care if using them

Why the Guinness harp faces the opposite way to the official Irish harp

Yule – ancient festival pre-dating Christmas

Easter Lily – sign of peace and hope for the future

St Patrick myths and legends

Irish Art – clues to ancient Irish cultures and beliefs

The Green Man – symbol of rebirth in Celtic Culture

The Awen (The Three Rays of Light)

Celtic Tree of Life (Crann Bethadh)

Triskele – From the Greek meaning ‘three-legged’

Celtic Cross – symbol of faith and culture

Celebrating the rich diversity of Irish culture

Irish Art – pre-dating the Pyramids

Celtic Cross jewelry – steeped in history and symbolism

Ēostre – the Spring Equinox – forerunner of Easter

Beltane – festival of fire to welcome the summer

New age beliefs about Ogham

The Spiral – thought to represent the sun

Brigid’s Cross (Brighid’s Cross, St Brigit’s Cross)

More on Celtic trees folklore

Trees in Celtic Mythology

Alder tree in Celtic mythology – balanced between male and female

Apple – healing, youthfulness and rebirth

 

Ash – one Ireland’s sacred trees

Aspen – sacred Celtic whispering tree

 

Birch – the tree of birth

Blackthorn – sinister tree of the dark side

Elder – a tree sacred to the Celts

Gorse – symbol of love and fertility

 

Hawthorn – the fairy tree

Hazel – the tree at the world’s end

Heather – building block for Celts

Holly – guards against spirits and witchcraft

Ivy – symbol of strength and determination

 

Mistletoe – sacred plant of the sun god

Oak – king of the forest

Reed – introduction to Ogham

Rowan – the ‘lady of the mountains’

Scots Pine – the 'pioneer' plant'

Vine – the tree of joy

Willow – beauty and spiritual presence

Yew – longevity and resurrection

 

The Celtic Tree Calendar – following the lunar cycle

Ancient Irish language of ogham

Ogham – ancient Irish written language

New age beliefs about Ogham

Ogham alphabet named after Irish words for trees

Origins of Ogham – modern theories

Poems written in Ogham