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.
The Jack is a man who is covered in greenery over a framework. (photo from:
http://www.madjacksmorris.co.uk/jackinthegreen.html) Jack-in-the-Greens are also seen in in the celebration of Straw bears
(photo from:
http://citynoise.org/article/1930) and the British 'Burryman' (a man covered in sticky burrs)
(photo from:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/4784271.stm ) . 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:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUZSwHXKu0Q Find a copy of the lyrics at:
http://www.absolutelyrics.com/lyrics/view/jethro_tull/jack-in-the-green/
