Why you shouldn't kill spiders in your home: a legend that Christians believe in
In many cultures around the world, spiders are symbols of good luck, wisdom, and even protection from misfortune. Although the spiders that live in Ukraine are generally harmless to humans, many people are afraid of them. SSPDaily explains why believers do not kill these insects in their homes and shares some interesting beliefs and superstitions associated with these eight-legged creatures.
Role in nature
Spiders play an important role in the ecosystem by keeping populations of harmful insects under control, including mosquitoes, ants, woodlice, and midges.
Esotericism
In esoteric beliefs, spiders have been considered symbols of good luck and wisdom for centuries. Their tangled webs are seen as a form of protection against misfortune and adversity. It acts as a metaphysical barrier, trapping negative energy and preventing it from entering your home.
The legend of the spider's benevolence
According to a popular Christian legend, spiders once saved Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus from King Herod's soldiers who wanted to harm them. According to the story, the holy family hid under a bush, and these insects quickly wrapped it in a web, disguising their hiding place. This saved their lives as the soldiers passed by without noticing them.
Consequences of killing spiders for believers
According to a belief, killing a spider imposes a burden of sin on a person that he or she must bear for the rest of his or her life. Orthodox Christianity says that such an act drives away good luck, prosperity, and personal happiness. The consequences are even more significant when a small spider is killed as it is said to bring bad luck to children. It is also believed to attract poverty, disease, and eternal sorrow.
Believers are encouraged to show compassion for spiders. Instead of resorting to lethal measures, they are advised to gently catch the insect and release it back into nature. This act is seen as a way of maintaining harmony and balance in one's life and their environment.