09/05/2025
In the centre of the table in the Old Hall at Hunterston Castle, there is a carved ivory or bone plaque. It depicts a hunting scene, and at the base of the plaque there is a face.
This mythical Green Man is a motif in art, architecture, and folklore, which depicts a human face surrounded by or made of leaves and vines, and sometimes discourging or spewing leaves.
The image can be found in churches and other buildings across Europe, with origins possibly dating back to pre-Christian times.
The Green Man symbol can be interpreted as representation of nature, representing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth which reflects the seasonal renewal of growth each spring.
The Green Man also symbolises vitality, fertility, and the interconnectedness of humanity and nature. In some traditions, he is associated with wildness, the spirit of the forest, and a guardian of the natural realm.
For the Hunter’s I expect the Green Man represented the guardian of the forest, the home of the animals that provided food. It evokes the mystery of the natural world and our place within it.
The Green Man is known by other names including Garland King and King of May which is really appropriate for the fresh new growth we see this month.
