Why was Mary so important in different religions and cultures?

While researching the Mother of God in different cultures, places, and time periods; a question of What made Mary so important made a theme in the readings. All of the religions that were researched had different themes of why Mary had a significant impact on their lives. Since different religions have different beliefs and views on Jesus, for example, whether he is the child of God or a prophet, Mary held different significances and meanings. 

For Christians, Mary was important because she provided a backstory of what made Jesus 'of the flesh' and she filled in the gaps of the gospels that she was in to reassure those who might follow and those who do follow Jesus.[1] Christians wanted to relate to Jesus, who is a divine figure, and so Mary, who is a mortal, gave them that connection that Jesus came from a undivine human.[2] However, relying on Mary was difficult for Christians because nothing was none about Mary prior to the Annunciation of Jesus, she was not in the testimonies of his life all throughout the scriptures. She is mentioned only a few times. In the Protogospel of James, which talked about the known aspects of the life of Mary also affirmed some beliefs that people had. This protogospel talked about how Mary was involved in the Temple at a young age, that she had protected her virginity, and that she had other holy messages sent to her before the Annunciation of Jesus. 

In this painting during this time period, Mary was seen as so important for being the Mother of God and the Virgin Mary she was the Maria Regina.[3] This piece does not present itself as being a protector or leader of the way. 

1. Mother of God, 9.

2. Mother of God, 43.

3.Rome 1300, (Yale University Press, 2000), Herbert L. Kessler, Johanna Zacharias, 128.

3. Mother of God, 63.