Green Man by fishers

Green Man

The Green Man is a legendary being primarily interpreted as a symbol of rebirth, representing the cycle of new growth that occurs every spring. The Green Man is most commonly depicted in a sculpture of a face which is made of, or completely surrounded by, leaves.

Usually referred to in works on architecture as foliate heads or foliate masks, carvings of the Green Man may take many forms, naturalistic or decorative. The simplest depict a man's face peering out of dense foliage. Some may have leaves for hair, perhaps with a leafy beard. Often leaves or leafy shoots are shown growing from his open mouth and sometimes even from the nose and eyes as well. In the most abstract examples, the carving at first glance appears to be merely stylised foliage, with the facial element only becoming apparent on closer examination. The face is almost always male; green women are rare.

Superficially the Green Man would appear to be pagan, perhaps a fertility figure or a nature spirit, and yet he frequently appears, carved in wood or stone, in churches, chapels, abbeys and cathedrals, where examples can be found from early times through to the 20th century and probably represents new birth and resurrection.

This is one of two recently carved examples outside York Minster to encourage donations towards the running of the church. For long periods since March 2020 the Minster has been closed, so the income normally received from visitors has been lost, with a serious impact on Minster finances.

This carving near the entrance to the Minster bookshop, and another near the outdoor stonemasons area are the work of the Minster Stonemasons and are good examples of the quality of their work.

Ian
It's a fascinating historical peculiarity; that the Green Man can be appropriated by subsequent cultures and religions, so interesting.
May 25th, 2021  
wonderful idea
love the history of the green man
fav
May 25th, 2021  
Nice shot
May 25th, 2021  
I love that idea and history of the green man
May 25th, 2021  
Bri
Great shot and narrative
May 25th, 2021  
Interesting history,a super shot.The church is right up to date with their contactless payment
May 25th, 2021  
oooh he's a good one
May 25th, 2021  
Very nice!!
May 25th, 2021  
Blustery old fella
May 25th, 2021  
Great idea. Hope it`s big supported.
May 25th, 2021  
Great photo and interesting history.
May 25th, 2021  
Wonderful face sculpture
May 26th, 2021  
Very interesting shot and description. And a lovely piece of artwork.
May 26th, 2021  
@peadar @ninaganci @bkbinthecity @craftymeg @bybri @carolmw @koalagardens @kwind @pdulis @pyrrhula @djclow @kjarn @sangwann

Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.

I rather liked this green man, and it is fascinating to see them still being carved.

Ian
May 26th, 2021  
Interesting history. I like this green man.
May 31st, 2021  
@vesna0210

Thank you Vesna - he does look quite friendly!

Ian
June 1st, 2021  
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