A bright star in the anxious sky

Signals every Ukrainian eye:

Its trembling glow is there to say —

The Virgin has wrapped the Child in hay!

(Vitaliia Hrytsak, 2023)

In Ukraine, Christmas traditionally begins with the appearance of the first evening star. Only when that star shines in the sky does the family gather for the Holy Supper. Throughout the day, they do not eat, waiting for this heavenly sign.

“Though the children are very hungry, they dare not ask their mother for food. They wait and gaze through the window, watching the sky: has the evening star already risen, which is to tell all people of the great miracle – the birth of the Son of God?” – Oleksa Voropay, folklorist (1913–1989)

The Christmas Star is the oldest and brightest symbol of the Nativity. According to the Gospel, the Three Wise Men saw the star that announced the birth of the Messiah – and followed it. Instead of a palace, they found a humble cave with the Infant in a manger – and offered Him their gifts.

The Star became a symbol of light’s victory over darkness, a guide and a sign of hope – and an essential attribute of carolers who bring the message of Christ’s birth.

The first written mention of caroling with a star in Ukrainian lands dates to 1680, in the town of Stara Sil (Boyko region). The tradition came from Poland and Czech lands, where boys dressed as the Three Kings visited homes with greetings. From cities it spread to villages. Under the star they sang both new carols and ancient traditional ones.

The Vertep Star is a handmade symbol of faith and light. Making it is part of a family ritual, passed down from generation to generation. These stars usually have eight or twelve pointed rays, decorated with colorful ribbons, oiled paper, bells, tassels. In the center, an icon of the Nativity or the Mother of God with the Child is attached. Some stars are especially elaborate – rotating, glowing from within, while the central image remains still.

Carolers’ stars were made across Ukraine – from the Carpathians to the Don. In Hutsul and Boyko regions, they were carried on a short pole and were even called “Vertep.” In the Nadsiannia region, stars could reach up to fifty rays. Artist Volodymyr Shahala (1919–2001), deported from the village of Klokovychi (now Poland), preserved this tradition by crafting dozens of stars from wooden strips, straw, and paper – the largest measuring about 1.5 meters in diameter.

In 2022, the tradition of making Christmas stars was inscribed into the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine.