​​Pavúk UKRAINIAN (Slovak feminine: Pavúková) or Pavuk is a surname which means spider in several Slavic languages. The spider is a helper and protector of the house and family. An older decorative tradition involves the creation of elaborate straw ornaments that hang from the ceiling like a chandelier, a beautiful abstraction of the spider’s web using the material – straw – that forms many other decorative and ritual purposes in the Ukrainian home and is a symbol of a country renowned for its agricultural heritage as the breadbasket of Europe.

Ukrainians believe that there were spiders at the crucifixion of Jesus- and that they stationed themselves near Jesus’ wounds- so they would look like nails- and it stopped the Romans from putting more nails into his flesh. These handcrafted talismans PAVUK are traditionally believed to trap negative energy and bring blessings and protection to households. Their web-like forms, made from harvest straw, reflect the interconnectedness of community and the cycles of life.

The pavuk exists alongside other very traditional Ukrainian ornaments made of straw, especially the “Didukh“, or “forefather”, a sheaf of grain which commemorated the family ancestors and was carried into the house and placed in a space of honor near other icons during the holiday season.​​