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The Welsh Green Man

The roots of his legend go back to the shadow hunters who painted the caves of Lascaux and Altimira. From there, it climbs through human history, reappearing in countless places, in countless ways. He is the Green Man, Jack in the Green, the Old Man of the Woods, Green George and many other things to many people. But one common theme runs through all the images and myths: the  personification of the cycle of the seasons, the human face behind the birth, growth, sacrifice, and renewal that feeds human bodies and souls.

In older days, Welsh and Brythons told stories of him as Robin Hood, and created the Morris dances in his honor. In churches and other important buildings, his face was carved in wood and chiseled in stone. Even now, men and women who no longer know his story -- but sense that something old and strong and tremendously important lies behind his leafy mask – are drawn to the Green Man. His mysterious smile and gentle eyes invite them to reach out for the green world, open their hearts, and remember.

Wales is a land of witchcraft and dragons.  Welsh culture and identity are grounded in centuries of Celtic myth, legend and fantasy.  The red Welsh dragon, "Y Ddraig Goch," originated from a serpent representing the Welsh God Dewi. King Arthur was said to have had a dream about a red dragon (symbolically representing Wales) which slayed a white dragon (which represented the Saxon invaders).

The Welsh red dragon is often associated with the motto, "Y  Ddraig Goch a ddyry gychwyn" - or "The red dragon will show the way."