The spider is a symbol linked to treachery and death in many cultures.
Africa[]
It was seen as a "trickster", a "spinner of fate" in ancient goddess cultures.
Greek myths[]
The goddess Arachne turned into a spider by her jealous rival Athena.
Christian cultures[]
They have linked it both to an evil force that sucked blood from its victims and to "good luck" because of the cross on the back of some species.
Chinese[]
The Chinese have welcomed the spider descending on its thread as a bringer of joys from heaven.
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