Red Myth Shield Patch

The image on this patch comes from a carpet woven at the Hlyniany Carpet Factory, 40 km from Lviv, in the 1970s. The work is based on the meander ornament, which is more than 20,000 years old.
It was first found in the village of Mizyn on a bone bracelet that served as a hunter’s calendar.
In embroidery, this symbol is called the “Little Spider”. It has deep roots in Ukrainian folk culture and is often found in Hutsul, Podillian, and Poltava ornaments, although its variations can also be found in other regions of Ukraine.
In ancient times, the “Little Spider” was believed to have magical properties capable of protecting against evil forces and misfortune. It was placed on clothing, carpets, or towels to create an invisible “protective web”.
In traditional understanding, it is associated with the Universe and harmony. The symmetry of the interweaving of elements
symbolizes the connection between heaven and earth, as well as the cyclic nature of life.