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  The ancient symbol of the Green Man probably began with people who relied on farming to survive, people who respected the forces of Nature, the elements, and the cycles of life. The Green Man symbolizes the spirit of lviing and growing things, vegetation, wildness, and the unstoppable energy of Nature. Examples exist in carvings, often in churches, throughout Europe and the Middle East. He is often depicted as a face that is surrounded with foliage, sometimes laughing, other times stern, sneering or mysterious. As we travel through the cycles of the year, he may be the King of May, the Harvest King, the Spirit of the Winter Woods, or the Greening of Spring. He is also seen as the guardian of tree, plant and animal spirits.