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.
O holy Mother Mary,
We have come to greet You,
Christ is born!
Mary is one of the central figures of the Vertep, a symbol of motherhood, purity, and love. Her image embodies all mothers who accept life with faith and humility. In the biblical story, the Virgin Mary is the Mother of Jesus Christ, who received the Good News from the Archangel Gabriel and gave birth to the Son of God in a humble cave in Bethlehem. “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…” (Song of the Most Holy Theotokos, Luke 1:46–47)
The image of Mary is the embodiment of motherhood, humility, purity, and deep faith, and in Ukrainian tradition, she is also inseparably connected with protection, intercession, and care.
In the Vertep, her figure is always surrounded by reverence. Mary’s attire is solemn, symbolizing her royal majesty and heavenly purity, yet slightly wrinkled – from the long journey. Most often, she is dressed in blue or light blue garments (symbolizing heaven), red (royal dignity and love), or brown (historical), and her head is covered with a scarf.
In old Ukrainian Verteps, especially puppet ones, the figure of Mary was often immobile, unlike other characters. This emphasized her stillness and eternal presence in the moment of the Nativity. By the way, in the oldest known Ukrainian Vertep, all figurines are wooden except for the Virgin Mary – her figure is porcelain. In “live” Verteps, those who played Mary stood out through special grace, stillness, and reverence in their movements.
Mary in the Vertep is not only a historical figure but also a symbol: she points to the importance of accepting God’s will, sacrifice, and spiritual purity. Her presence is a testimony of deep trust in God and faithfulness to Him despite seemingly insurmountable human obstacles, often even life-threatening.
Her presence brings warmth, mercy, motherly tenderness, and love to the performance, reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas – kenosis, the descent of God, His incarnation in human flesh, the birth of the King of Kings as a defenseless child for the salvation of humankind.