Pavuchky are Ukrainian Christmas decorations shaped like spider webs.
The word pavuchky means “little spiders” in Ukrainian. These delicate ornaments are made from materials such as straw, paper, or thread and are hung on Christmas trees or elsewhere in the home. They are linked to a folk tale about a poor widow whose Christmas tree was decorated by helpful spiders.
In the story, the spiders spin webs over the tree, and the webs become silver or gold when touched by sunlight. The tale is commonly used to explain the custom and connect the decoration with unexpected blessing and prosperity.
The tradition is related to the broader Ukrainian Christmas practice of using natural materials and symbolic decorations. Pavuchky should not be confused with didukhy, which are sheaves of grain placed in the home during the Christmas season.