Another guise of the Green Man is “Jack-in-the-Green.” The Jack-in-the-Greens date back to the 16th and 17th centuries in Britain where elaborate garlanded men would lead May celebrations. In recent times, Jack-in-the-Greens lead Morris Dancers in celebration and at Maypoles.
-
-
Jack-Man(photo from: http://www.madjacksmorris.co.uk/jackinthegreen.html) The Jack is a man who is covered in greenery over a framework. Jack-in-the-Greens are also seen in the celebration of Straw bears
-
-
Between Earth and Sea Coming in April (photo from: http://citynoise.org/article/1930) and the British ‘Burryman’ (a man covered in sticky burrs)
Jack-in-the-Greens traditionally celebrate Spring and the Straw Bears, winter. One of my favorite interpretations of Jack-in-the-Green is from Jethro Tull’s song of the same name:
[youtube video_id=”HUZSwHXKu0Q” width=”640″ height=”360″ ]
Find a copy of the lyrics here.
Author: Sharon Brubaker
For Sharon, writing is like breathing. She's been penning stories since second grade. Sharon is an avid reader, writer, gardener, and jewelry artist living near the Chesapeake Bay, the setting of The Green Man series and upcoming books.