Page:Pyrotechnics the history and art of firework making (1922).djvu/58

 The men performers may be considered as early types of the "green man" who made his appearance somewhat later. The office of this performer was to head processions carrying "fire clubs" and scattering "fireworks" (probably sparks) to clear the way.

One account of a procession to the Chester Races on St. George's Day, 1610, commences as follows: "Two men in green ivy, set with work upon their other habit, with black hair and black beards, very ugly to behold, and garlands upon their heads, with great clubs in their hands, with fireworks to scatter abroad to maintain the way for the rest of the show."

The fire clubs referred to are described in John Bate's book, published in 1635; the same writer illustrates a "green man" on the title page of his work.

Regarding the origin of the Green Man, it has been suggested that the character was evolved from the wild men, satyrs, monsters, etc., which appeared in the earlier exhibitions. This may or may not be so, but another explanation suggested to the writer by an old Danish print of the sixteenth century is at least plausible.

This print, which apparently represents a floating firework device of the old scenic type, shows two figures carrying fire clubs wearing leaves, and suggesting immediately the green man of a slightly later date.

Behind them are two figures holding rockets, leaving no doubt that a firework display is portrayed.

On the other hand, apart from the fact that normally they have no fire issuing from their clubs, the supporters of the Danish royal arms might be here depicted; a supposition which is borne out by the fact that the figure surmounting the erection carries the crown and sceptre of Denmark.

It seems quite within the bounds of possibility that these two figures were introduced into Danish displays as a compliment