Green Man

[Justin]

My local pub, like many others, is called the Green Man. Why?

[silver]

The Green Man is a pagan god who roams the woodlands of Britain and Europe, looking after the countryside.

[Jim Gregory]

The green man, although he looks a bit monstrous, is actually a good guy who looks after the countryside. He is depicted as a horned being peering out of foliage, usually oak leaves. He is also known as Jack-in the Green, Green George and Green Jack. You may see him accompanying a troop of morris dancers at folk music gatherings in Britain. He's the one who looks like a walking tree. It is believed he has rainmaking powers to bring verdant meadows and well-fed livestock. He was frequently depicted in medieval art, including church decorations. In various festivals, the green man is dunked in a river or pond to ensure that there will be enough rain to make the meadows and pastures green.

[tinkerbell54]

Well Justin, I don't know about all this pagan god, countryside protector malarkey, but The Green Man is a rather apt description for many members of the male species after one pint too many on a Saturday night. That's my theory!

[janshep]

I always thought the Green Man indicated a site where people used to be hung on a gibbet!

[poppy]

No, no you are all wrong; the green man lights up on the crossing when it's safe to cross the road!!