The Green Man is one of the oldest symbols of rebirth and the living cycle of nature but there is also an air of mystery around it. Most often depicted as a face surrounded by leaves or vines, he represents growth, fertility, and the connection between humans and the natural world. His image appears across cultures and throughout history, taking many forms but always tied to the turning of the seasons and the renewal of life.
Across the world, people have long marked the earth’s reawakening with their own seasonal rituals - lighting fires, dancing, feasting, and adorning themselves with greenery. While his name and form shift across time and place, the Green Man’s meaning endures as a celebration of renewal and vitality. From ancient carvings to medieval cathedrals to modern gardens, his image continues to remind us that nature’s cycle of death and return is constant, powerful, and eternal.
As we reach the height of spring and approach Beltane (in the southern hemisphere on November 1), we welcome the Green Man back once more. Beltane marks the midpoint between the equinox and solstice, a time of fertility, creativity, and expansion. In folklore, the Green Man’s union with the May Queen symbolises this energy: the joining of earth and sun, the spark that brings life into full bloom.
How to celebrate Beltane this year:
- Gather fresh greenery to decorate your home.
- Light a candle or burn herb bundles to represent the returning warmth.
- Step outside barefoot and spend time among trees or in your garden.
- Share a meal outdoors and give thanks for what’s growing.
- Mist your space with Grounded
- Plant something new to honour renewal and future growth.