A dreamcatcher is generally a circle, which is made of wood or vine and covered with leather. Inside the circle is the web, usually made of sinew. Today, it is most commonly used as a wall decoration with leather lacing, beads and feathers adorned from the circle. Most people do not know the origin or the legend of the dreamcatcher.
The dreamcatcher is of North American Indian origin. There are many different stories about the dreamcatcher; traditionally it has its origin with the Iroquois Confederacy, which once ruled the northeastern United States. The confederation consisted of six Indian nations that shared their traditions, customs, and language. As the tribes were pushed westward, they often merged to traded with other tribes. It was through this manor that the legend and the custom of the dreamcatcher spread through the various American Indian nations.
Regardless of which legend you are hearing, they all have similar elements. The North American Indians were very caring of their children. The dreamcatcher was made by a grandmother and given as a gift to each new infant. The dreamcatcher was hung above the infant’s bed.
The legend states the inner web will filter the child’s dreams. Bad dreams or nightmares would be trapped until daylight when the sun’s rays would chase them away. Good dreams would be passed through the web and allowed to enter the sleeping child’s mind.
To encourage more “good dreams”, various items that could be attributed to a virtuous adulthood were attached to the web. Items could include an eagle feather, a bear claw, a dried flower, or pretty beads.
As the child grew older, significant items were attached to the web. Items that would hold the child remember an important lesson. The dreamcatcher traveled with the individual throughout his or her life. It was often buried with the person upon death.
New dreamcatchers were made as gifts for each infant and as a wedding present. The belief was that a new couple should possess a new dreamcatcher to help them travel through married life.
While today, the dreamcatcher is used by many as a decoration; many people still believe in its magic. Stories are still told of how the dreamcatcher hanging above a person’s bed has stopped nightmares. The magic of the dreamcatcher is unlocked when the dreamcatcher is given as a gift out of love. This can even be a gift to one’s self. It is the act of giving that unlocks the magic power.
