Mary and Eve – Genesis 3:15 Symbolism

My mother, my daughter, life-giving Eve,
Do not be ashamed, do not grieve.
The former things have passed away.
Our God has brought us to a New Day.
See, I am with Child,
Through whom all will be reconciled.
O Eve! My sister, my friend,
We will rejoice together
Forever
Life without end.

This striking artwork caught my eye. Just look at their feet! You see here the symbolism from Genesis 3:15, where the seed of the woman would bruise the head of the serpent. This verse, called the Protoevangelium, is the first prediction of the coming Redeemer found in the Bible.

The crayon and pencil drawing titled Mary and Eve was created by Sister Grace Remington of the Cistercian Sisters of the Mississippi Valley and is used by permission. You can purchase this print online at the Monastery Candy Store here. You can also purchase this as a Christmas card package of 8.

In my book,  Sacred Strands, the Story of a Redeemer Woven through History, I show how the symbolism of Genesis 3:15 is shown in the constellations and in the myths throughout history, showing the early, ancient knowledge of a promised Redeemer.

Several of the early church fathers pointed to Mary as being the opposite of Eve. Whereas Eve’s doubt and disobedience helped bring sin into the world, Mary’s faith and obedience helped bring salvation into the world.