[1][2] Its use was inspired by several other early saints who are venerated by the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.

Today the name is also associated with a fairy-tale princess because of its frequent use in Russian fairy tales.

The character often rises in status from a peasant girl to the wife of a prince; or she is a princess who marries the hero after helping him to accomplish difficult tasks.

Unlike other fairy-tale heroines who wait to be rescued, Vasilisa often accomplishes a series of tasks that help her defeat the villain of the story.

In the tales, the character is also usually a successful housekeeper, which helps her win the love of the prince.