Attis

Attis with pine tree and violets, originally uploaded by CharlesFred.

Attis, the Phrygian version of the dying and resurrecting godman. A young shepherd, he was born to Cybele, the Earth Mother by her putting a pomegranate sprung from the severed genitals of a man-monster named Agdestis.

Attis died on March 23rd, an event marked by cutting down a pine tree and decking it with violets, such violets representing the blood of Attis, this ceremony being popular in Rome, Gaul and Phrygia.

On the third day after his death, on March 25th, Attis was resurrected and rose from his tomb.

This date also happens to be the date on which the Christian Easter was first celebrated in Rome. It can also be noted that all legends of the True Cross have it made of pinewood.