Dreamcatchers are often seen on walls, trees, porches and even souvenir shops. But what is the significance of it where it is often seen in many places? These items are also transformed into jewelry at Fang Jewelry. The origin and legend behind the dreamcatcher are deep and important within the Native American community.
History of the Dreamcatcher
The dreamcatcher is obviously associated with Native Americans but there is conflict on where it originated from. Between the Ojibwa Chippewa and Lakota tribe, each has their own legend. Although, it is mainly believed that it originated from the Ojibwa Chippewa tribe.
Ojibwa Chippewa Legend
To understand where dreamcatchers came about, one must understand the translation of it. The word for the item is asabikeshiinh, which means “spider”. It is evident as to why it translates to spider since the dreamcatcher is woven into a web, making it look like a spider web.
The Ojibwa people found spiders to be a symbol of protection and comfort. There is a story amongst their community of a mystical and maternal “Spider Woman” who was a spiritual protector of the tribe. This protection was strongest with children and babies.
As the tribe continues to grow and go different directions, it was hard for the Spider Woman to protect all so the first dreamcatcher was made. With that, mothers would recreate the maternal remembrance to symbolize the mystical protection over families and children all over.
Traditionally, these items were used as a totem to protect those who sleep from bad dreams and nightmares. It was sometimes known as “Sacred Hoops”.
Dreams were believed to fill the night air, both the good and bad. It was hung above the bed where the morning sunlight was able to hit it.
With dreamcatchers, it had the ability to capture all types of dreams in its web – not just bad ones. The good dreams passed through the spaces of the web and slide down the feather as it comforted the sleeper below it. On the other hand, bad dreams were caught in the protective net and destroyed. The morning sunlight then burned it up after.