In some Native American and First Nations cultures, a dreamcatcher or dream catcher (Ojibwe: asabikeshiinh, the inanimate form of the word for 'spider')^[1] is a handmade willow hoop, on which is woven a net or web. The dreamcatcher may also include sacred items such as certain feathers or beads. Traditionally they are often hung over a cradle as protection.^[2] It originates in Anishinaabe culture as the 'spider web charm' (Anishinaabe: asubakacin 'net-like', White Earth Band; bwaajige ngwaagan 'dream snare', Curve Lake Band^[3]), a hoop with woven string or sinew meant to replicate a spider's web, used as a protective charm for infants.^[2]

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2. Cool Dreamcatcher Tattoos
3. Large Dream Catchers For Sale

Dreamcatchers were adopted in the Pan-Indian Movement of the 1960s and 1970s and gained popularity as a widely marketed 'Native crafts items' in the 1980s. ^[4]

Dream Catchers Dream Catchers are a spiritual tool used to help assure good dreams to those that sleep under them. A dream catcher is usually placed over a place you would sleep where the morning light can hit it. As you sleep all dreams from the spirit world have to pass through the dream catcher. Let's make DreamCatcher! It's super easy:)LET'S GET THIS TO 90,000 LIKES?! Can we do it??My other Super Easy Dreamcatcher videos - https://www.youtube.com/w.

Ojibwe origin[edit]

Ethnographer Frances Densmore in 1929 recorded an Ojibwe legend according to which the 'spiderwebs' protective charms originate with Spider Woman, known as Asibikaashi; who takes care of the children and the people on the land. As the Ojibwe Nation spread to the corners of North America it became difficult for Asibikaashi to reach all the children.^[2] So the mothers and grandmothers weave webs for the children, using willow hoops and sinew, or cordage made from plants. The purpose of these charms is apotropaic and not explicitly connected with dreams:

Even infants were provided with protective charms. Examples of these are the 'spiderwebs' hung on the hoop of a cradle board. In old times this netting was made of nettle fiber. Two spider webs were usually hung on the hoop, and it was said that they 'caught any harm that might be in the air as a spider's web catches and holds whatever comes in contact with it.'^[2]

Basil Johnston, an elder from Neyaashiinigmiing, in his Ojibway Heritage (1976) gives the story of Spider (Ojibwe: asabikeshiinh, 'little net maker') as a trickster figure catching Snake in his web.^{[5][clarification needed]}

Modern uses[edit]

While Dreamcatchers continue to be used in a traditional manner in their communities and cultures of origin, a derivative form of 'dreamcatchers' were also adopted into the Pan-Indian Movement of the 1960s and 1970s as a symbol of unity among the various Native American cultures, or a general symbol of identification with Native American or First Nations cultures.^[4]

The name 'dream catcher' was published in mainstream, non-Native media in the 1970s^[6] and became widely known as a 'Native crafts item' by the 1980s,^[7]by the early 1990s 'one of the most popular and marketable' ones.^[8]

In the course of becoming popular outside the Ojibwe Nation during the Pan-Native movement in the '60s, various types of 'dreamcatchers', many of which bear little resemblance to traditional styles, and that incorporate materials that would not be traditionally used, are now made, exhibited, and sold by New age groups and individuals. Some Native Americans have come to see these 'dreamcatchers' as over-commercialized, like 'sort of the Indian equivalent of a tacky plastic Jesus hanging in your truck,' while others find it a loving tradition or symbol of native unity. ^[4]

A mounted and framed dreamcatcher is being used as a shared symbol of hope and healing by the Little Thunderbirds Drum and Dance Troupe from the Red Lake Indian Reservation in Minnesota. In recognition of the shared trauma and loss experienced, both at their school during the Red Lake shootings, and by other students who have survived similar school shootings, they have traveled to other schools to meet with students, share songs and stories, and gift them with the dreamcatcher. The dreamcatcher has now been passed from Red Lake to students at Columbine CO, to Sandy Hook CT, to Marysville WA, to Townville SC, to Parkland FL.^[9][10][11]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

1. ^'Free English-Ojibwe dictionary and translator - FREELANG'. www.freelang.net.
2. ^ ^abcdDensmore, Frances (1929, 1979) Chippewa Customs. Minn. Hist. Soc. Press; pg. 113.
3. ^Jim Great Elk Waters, View from the Medicine Lodge (2002), p. 111.
4. ^ ^abc'During the pan-Indian movement in the 60's and 70's, Ojibway dreamcatchers started to get popular in other Native American tribes, even those in disparate places like the Cherokee, Lakota, and Navajo.' 'Native American Dream catchers', Native-Languages
5. ^John Borrows, 'Foreword' to Françoise Dussart, Sylvie Poirier, Entangled Territorialities: Negotiating Indigenous Lands in australia and Canada, University of Toronto Press, 2017.
6. ^'a hoop laced to resemble a cobweb is one of Andrea Petersen's prize possessions. It is a 'dream catcher'—hung over a Chippewa Indian infant's cradle to keep bad dreams from passing through. 'I hope I can help my students become dream catchers,' she says of the 16 children in her class. In a two-room log cabin elementary school on a Chippewa reservation in Grand Portage' The Ladies' Home Journal 94 (1977), p. 14.
7. ^'Audrey Speich will be showing Indian Beading, Birch Bark Work, and Quill Work. She will also demonstrate the making of Dream Catchers and Medicine Bags.' The Society Newsletter (1985), p. 31.
8. ^Terry Lusty (2001). 'Where did the Ojibwe dream catcher come from? Windspeaker - AMMSA'. www.ammsa.com. Sweetgrass; volume 8, issue 4: The Aboriginal Multi-Media Society. p. 19.CS1 maint: location (link)
9. ^Marysville School District receives dreamcatcher given to Columbine survivors By Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News. Posted on November 7, 2014
10. ^'Showing Newtown they're not alone - CNN Video' – via edition.cnn.com.
11. ^Dreamcatcher for school shooting survivors (paywall)

External links[edit]

Dream Catchers For Sale

Lifestyle

Dream catchers are a symbol of protection and safety. They are believed to protect people from bad dreams and spirits. Not only are dream catchers popular in the home, but many choose to have a dream catcher tattoo. A dream catcher tattoo is believed to protect the person but can also be a symbol of Native American heritage or culture. We love these tattoos and have found 63 of the most amazing dream catcher tattoos to share with you. By the end of the list, you may be booking your next tattoo appointment!

1. Dream Catcher Tattoo with Peacock Feathers

First up we have this stunning double dream catcher tattoo idea. Both dream catchers are very detailed but have a different pattern. There are also peacock feathers, feathers and other charms dangling from the dream catchers. Peacock feathers have lots of meanings including strength, renewal and pride. So, these feathers are a great addition for your dream catcher design.

2. Dream Catcher Tattoo Design

You can go for a traditional dream catcher tattoo design with the woven net or you can choose a different pattern for the inside of the dream catcher. This one has an intricate floral mandala pattern. Mandala tattoos are also very popular and stylish, when combined with a dream catcher you will get one stunning tattoo. You could choose any pattern for your design.

Source: @tattoosbyeloise

3. Dream Catcher Tattoo on Foot

If you are looking for an elegant tattoo design, then this idea could be for you. The tattoo has very delicate lines and the dream catcher has beautiful feathers, flowers and charms. This one also has a small Tinkerbell, but you can recreate something similar with or without her. Either way, this will be a pretty tattoo that will suit anyone.

4. Watercolor Dream Catcher Tattoo

Next, we have a vibrant dream catcher tattoo idea. The dream catcher itself has a beautiful woven net design with beads, feathers and charms. Then over the top of dream catcher there are splashes of bright blue, pink and purple. We love this tattoo because it is creative, unique and uses the artistic watercolor technique.

Source: @moonchildtattoos

5. Cute, Dream Catcher Tattoo on Shoulder

Our next idea is this dream catcher tattoo on shoulder. The dream catcher has a wooden hoop with a floral net design. There are also beads and feathers. It is super cute tattoo that would suit anyone. You can recreate the shoulder design or have a similar dream catcher placed elsewhere.

6. Creative Half Moon Dream Catcher Tattoo

Traditionally dream catchers have a wooden hoop and woven net. However, you can be creative with the idea to make your own unique design. This tattoo features flowers that create half a circle or a half moon shape with the classic three feathers hanging from it. It is a creative dream catcher and we love how it combines classic designs and new ideas together.

Source: @tattooist_aromi

7. Dream Catcher Tattoo on Thigh

Cool Dreamcatcher Tattoos

Dream catcher designs look great tattooed on the thigh. This thigh tattoo features a double dream catcher with feathers and beads. The top dream catcher has a beautiful heart design in the center. This is an amazing tattoo, you could recreate something similar with just one dream catcher or maybe add some color.

8. Dream Catcher Henna Tattoo

Next, we have a beautiful example of a dream catcher with a mandala design. The dream catcher doesn’t have the traditional hoop but a stunning intricate pattern instead. This tattoo was created in henna, but you can have something similar created permanently. You could also try henna to see what the design looks like and henna looks great for the summer.

Source: @mehendiartpoznan

9. Blue Dream Catcher Tattoo on Back

Dream catchers look beautiful with flowers. This tattoo features a small dream catcher with a blue flower, blue feathers and beads. You can have your own design like this one created. Maybe try adding your own favourite color or flower to make the tattoo unique to you.

10. Dream Catcher Tattoo on Foot

The design possibilities for the net in your dream catcher are endless. This tattoo has used a geometric woven net in the center. We think it gives the dream catcher a crystal look. It also has beautiful purple feathers and beads hanging from it. You could recreate a similar dream catcher, and have it placed anywhere with any feather colors.

Large Dream Catchers For Sale

Source: @finhdzr