a figure that goes back, I think, to the middle ages as a sort of representation of nature, of natural man, and you find representations in art and they also use them then as jester-like figures to let off fireworks
an ancient symbol of man's deep connection to nature; a decorative Gothic carving characterized by a human face sprouting foliage.
A Green Man is a sculpture, drawing or other representation of a face surrounded by (or made from) leaves. Branches or vines may sprout from the nose, mouth, nostrils or other parts of the face, and these shoots may bear flowers or fruit. Commonly used as a decorative architectural ornament, Green Men are frequently found on carvings in churches and other buildings (both secular and ecclesiastical).