The Green Man
This chap is a common and rather mysterious motif in worldwide architecture. He can be seen adorning the eastern face of Fountains Abbey and is known as The Green Man. It is a representation of a face surrounded by or made from leaves. Like the one seen here, branches or vines may sprout from the nose, mouth, nostrils or other parts of the face and these shoots may bear flowers or fruit. They are known as the 'disgorging type' of Green Man.
Commonly used as a decorative architectural ornament, Green Men are frequently found on carvings in churches and other buildings (both secular and ecclesiastical). The motif has many variations. Found in cultures all around the world, the Green Man is often related to natural vegetative deities springing up in different cultures throughout the ages. Primarily it is interpreted as a symbol of rebirth, or "renaissance," representing the cycle of growth each spring.
The Green Man
This chap is a common and rather mysterious motif in worldwide architecture. He can be seen adorning the eastern face of Fountains Abbey and is known as The Green Man. It is a representation of a face surrounded by or made from leaves. Like the one seen here, branches or vines may sprout from the nose, mouth, nostrils or other parts of the face and these shoots may bear flowers or fruit. They are known as the 'disgorging type' of Green Man.
Commonly used as a decorative architectural ornament, Green Men are frequently found on carvings in churches and other buildings (both secular and ecclesiastical). The motif has many variations. Found in cultures all around the world, the Green Man is often related to natural vegetative deities springing up in different cultures throughout the ages. Primarily it is interpreted as a symbol of rebirth, or "renaissance," representing the cycle of growth each spring.