Virtual Vertep Vision is a series of articles and videos dedicated to each character of the traditional Ukrainian Vertep. Created as part of the project “BoykoTravel: Vertep PreServes Ukraine”, implemented with the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation.
And the shepherds ran to Him,
Greeting Him as their King.
(Carol “God Is Born”, 1886)
The figure of the Shepherd is one of the oldest and most tender in the biblical story of Christmas. The shepherds were the first to hear the angelic proclamation of the Savior's birth. To them – simple keepers of sheep – was entrusted a great revelation: “Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord!” (Luke 2:11).
They held no power nor high status – they were people of labor and silence, used to the solitude of the night fields. Yet their hearts were ready to receive the divine light. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8). They were not frightened by the heavenly radiance – instead, they hurried to Bethlehem to see the Child. And they became the first “proto-apostles,” spreading the Good News to the world.
In first-century Palestine, shepherds wore long linen or woolen tunics, with a rough wool or camel-hair cloak over them – protection from cold, sun, and rain. On their heads they wore a light headband or cloth, shielding them from heat and dust; on their feet – leather-strap sandals, practical for rocky paths. In their hands – a staff, used to guide and protect the flock from wild beasts; over the shoulder – a small bag with bread, dried cheese, and a flute, on which shepherds played in the fields.
A simple, ascetic attire of the “people of the night sky” – those standing between the silence of the fields and the choir of angels.
Later, Jesus Himself would identify with the shepherd, saying: “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
In biblical symbolism, the shepherd represents sacrifice, responsibility, and spiritual leadership: being first without pride, a guide without tyranny, a protector without fear.