Which creature is linked, in legend, to the creation of tinsel?

It may not fill an arachnophobe with Christmas cheer, but there is a charming legend attached to the creation of one of our most popular decorations.

The story, prevalent in Ukraine but told all over Eastern Europe, actually begins in the summer. The children of a poor widow woman found a pine cone growing on the earth of their humble abode, and, in delight, declared that they WOULD have a Christmas tree that year! But when the festive season came, they realised that they still could not afford to pay for decorations, and the poor little tree stood unadorned in their hut. On awakening the next morning, they discovered that the tree was covered with spider's webs. The first rays of the rising winter sun made them glow gold and silver. Not only did they have a happy Christmas, but their days of poverty and want came to an end.

To this day, in Ukraine, little decorative spiders known as "Pavuchky" are often hung on Christmas trees, and all over the world, tinsel of gold, silver, and every hue brings sparkle to the dark days of December.