Questions and Answers
Explain the legend of the Christmas spider and its significance in Ukrainian Christmas decorations.
The legend of the Christmas spider explains that a poor widow and her children woke up on Christmas morning to find their tree blanketed in cobwebs, which sunlight then transformed into gold and silver. This legend is the origin of the tradition of decorating trees with spider ornaments called 'pavuchky' and fake spider webs in Ukraine.
What are 'pavuchky' and how are they used in Ukrainian Christmas decorations?
'Pavuchky' are little spider ornaments used in Ukrainian Christmas decorations. They are hung on trees along with fake spider webs, symbolizing the legend of the Christmas spider and its transformation of cobwebs into gold and silver.
What is the modern-day significance of the legend of the Christmas spider in Ukraine?
The legend of the Christmas spider is the origin of the sparkly tinsel that shimmers at Christmastime all around the world. In Ukraine, it has led to the tradition of decorating trees with spider ornaments and fake spider webs, replacing traditional fairy lights.
