Set of Christmas tree ornaments "Vertep" (sculpture)

Description Set of Christmas tree ornaments "Vertep" (sculpture)

Christmas smells of juniper and sweet spirits; it resonates in grandpa's well-wishing, hums between the lines of carols, and rustles in the hayloft. Koza Dereza Manufacture has embodied all of this in the 'Vertep' collection to gift you the most precious—warm Christmas memories.

With childlike sincerity, each decoration is handmade. Craftswomen work their magic with wooden shavings, buckwheat husks, paper, binding the ingredients with a glue mixture and then baking them. Artists dance their brushes on the finished products, painting familiar images of the Ukrainian vertep.

1. Carol Singer Girl Just as dusk fell, a group of carolers would grace homes with songs and well-wishes. Initially, only young men caroled, but now girls join in. Carolers choose traditional attire, including silk scarves and fur coats.

2. King In stories of Jesus' birth, they are depicted as magicians, priests, or even scientists. However, the vertep typically features the three kings—under the Bethlehem star, they paved the way to pay homage to the Messiah.

3. Angel In the past, doors were left unlocked on Christmas because every family awaited the vertep. The first to enter the house was the Angel. As a harbinger of peace, the Angel announced the birth of Jesus and wished the hosts good fortune.

4. Carol Singer Boy Caroling was always a sacred act. A group of people marched with a star leading the way, followed by a bell-ringer announcing the arrival of carolers, and young men with bags for gifts.

5. Death Death is often depicted in a dark mantle with a long staff. However, in the vertep, her attire is white, and she is barely noticeable. Her role is to pantomime Herod, and at the end of the performance, she punishes the King of Judea.

6. Merchant The vertep in Ukraine dates back to the Baroque period, and over time, secular characters are added to the biblical plots. One of them is a resourceful man who played the role of a clever and witty personality in the play.

7. Devil The Devil is the most provocative character in the vertep. With horns, a pitchfork, dressed in a cloak, he wriggles through the crowd, collecting treats. Only daredevils were assigned this role, those who participated in the performance year after year.

8. Goat The goat was a totemic animal even in pagan times. Later, its image is reinterpreted in folklore, becoming a character in winter mysteries. Traditionally, with its clattering, the Goat calls for abundance to the family." Box size: 31*31*10 cm. Weight 630 g.