In Ukrainian Christmas tradition, handmade spiderweb decorations are called pavuchky.
The Ukrainian word pavuchky literally relates to little spiders. These delicate ornaments are associated with a folk legend about a poor widow who could not decorate her Christmas tree. In the story, spiders covered the tree with webs, which turned into beautiful silver or gold strands when touched by sunlight.
Pavuchky are commonly made from lightweight natural materials, including straw, paper, or other plant-based pieces. They can be hung from a Christmas tree or suspended from the ceiling, where their geometric forms and fine threads create a web-like display.
Pavuchky are not the same as didukhy, the sheaf of grain traditionally displayed in some Ukrainian homes, or koliadky, Ukrainian Christmas carols. The spiderweb motif also appears in broader Ukrainian Christmas folklore, where it symbolizes prosperity and the possibility of beauty emerging from hardship. Exact designs and materials differ according to household and region.