King Charles' coronation invite becomes engulfed in 'paganism' row over prominent use of ancient Green Man symbol that has appeared in churches for centuries
Buckingham Palace released the invite for the coronation at Westminster Abbey
By DANYA BAZARAA FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 11:49 BST, 6 April 202
Buckingham Palace released invitations for the coronation at Westminster Abbey on 6 May, with plenty of decorative symbolism on the cards around the theme of spring.
The King has used wildlife and flowers associated with new beginnings on the invitation's borders, signalling an age of rebirth and regeneration.
The theme nods to Charles's love of nature, sustainability and climate conservation.
But some have disagreed over face of The Green Man at the centre of the bottom of the ornate card.
MP Zac Goldsmith said it is a 'beautiful' symbol of God's creation, but former Mumford & Sons band member Winston Marshall described it as Paganism.
Mr Marshall tweeted: 'Why is the Jolly Green Giant more prominent on the Coronation invite than any Christian symbols?
'He’s the head of the church. Has he forgotten the first commandment? “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” This is paganism. Shame.'
But Overseas Minister Mr Goldsmith tweeted: 'Green Man is one of the most ancient symbols of all, and appears on countless churches across the land and beyond.
'It is a symbol, among other things, of our relationship with the natural world (or in Christian terms, God’s creation). This is beautiful.'
Others have also waded in on social media. Alice Roberts, a professor of Public Engagement in Science, said: 'The Green Man is not “an ancient figure from British folklore”, but a name invented for foliate heads in churches, in 1939.'
Another insisted it was a 'motif found in churches up and down the country'.
But The Green Man was also described as a 'mystical, Pagan symbol of rebirth' by one who commented on the image.
The Royal Family Twitter account said: 'Designed by Andrew Jamieson, the invitation features the Green Man, an ancient figure from British folklore, symbolic of spring and rebirth, to celebrate the new reign.'
It stems from ancient English folklore and represents the cycle of life that begins every spring.
The Green Man may also be a nod to the crowning site of Westminster Abbey, which features a carving of the symbol on top of the quire screen facade.
The Green Man has taken many forms throughout history - it is often seen as a Pagan symbol and references to the symbol are said to date back to the 2nd century.
Carvings of The Green Man, often surrounded by foliage, have been seen in churches and cathedrals around Europe for many centuries.
It is believed to represent the cycle of life, death and re-birth.
In Paganism it is seen as a sign spring is coming after a long winter, according to Spirit of the Green Man.
For modern Pagans, it can also be seen as a symbol of ecological awareness.
The symbol has been described as a bridge between both Pagan and Christian beliefs.
The Green Man is also a popular name for pubs around the country.
As a carving, it is said to have made a resurgence in modern times with artists doing adaptations and sculptures of the figure.
Among the abundance of flowers, thorns and wildlife included in the colourful decoration on the invitation are poignant symbols of love, inclusivity and tributes.
From touching references to his beloved late parents, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, to a nod to a new generation of royals including the Prince and Princess of Wales, there are many hidden meanings associated with the invitation.