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Dreamcatchers
In Native American culture, a dreamcatcher is a handmade object based on a hoop (traditionally of willow), incorporating a loose net, and decorated with items unique to the particular dreamcatcher. There is a traditional belief that a dreamcatcher filters a person's dreams, letting through only the good ones. There are related legends.
While dreamcatchers originated in the Ojibwa Nation, during the Pan-Indian Movement of the 1960s and 1970s they were adopted by Native Americans of a number of different nations. Some consider the dream catcher a symbol of unity among the various Indian Nations, and a general symbol of identification with Native American or First Nations cultures. However, other Native Americans have come to see dream catchers as over-commercialized. Non-Indians have also used the dreamcatcher for their own purposes.
Traditionally, the Ojibwa construct dreamcatchers by tying sinew strands in a web around a small round or tear-shaped frame of willow (in a way roughly similar to their method for making snowshoe webbing). The resulting 'dream-catcher', hung above the bed, is used as a charm to protect sleeping children from nightmares. As dreamcatchers are made of willow and sinew, they are not meant to last forever but are intended to dry out and collapse as the child enters the age of wonderment.
The Ojibwa believe that a dreamcatcher changes a person's dreams. According to Konrad J. Kaweczynski, 'Only good dreams would be allowed to filter through. Bad dreams would stay in the net, disappearing with the light of day.' Good dreams would pass through and slide down the feathers to the sleeper.
Another version from the same article was, 'Nightmares pass through the holes and out of the window. The good dreams are trapped in the web, and then slide down the feathers to the sleeping person.'
These conflicting explanations about how a dreamcatcher works may be proof of its antiquity. People keep a symbol because it is traditional, but interpret its meaning in many different ways.
In the course of becoming popular outside of the Ojibwa Nation, and then outside of the pan-Indian communities, 'dreamcatchers' are now made, exhibited, and sold by some New age groups and individuals. According to Philip Jenkins, this is considered by most traditional Native peoples and their supporters to be an undesirable form of cultural appropriation.
The official portrait of Ralph Klein, former Premier of the Canadian province of Alberta and whose wife Colleen Klein is Metis, incorporates a dreamcatcher. The idea of a dream catcher was used by Margaret Salinger, daughter of J. D. Salinger, in her book of memoirs about her father, Dream Catcher: A Memoir.
Dreams -- Throughout history, nearly every person and culture has placed importance on the meanings of dreams - archetypical messages from 'the other side' - given by various sources - that must interpreted by their symbology and content. Today, dreams are still a powerful force in many people's lives, particularly because of the meanings that can be found in them. Whether dreams are good or bad, they can inspire, confuse, or upset the dreamer.
In the Ojibway tribe, night visions, or dreams, were so important that children were not given a name until after a person designated as the 'namer' of that child had a dream as to what he/she should be called. The namer might give the child a charm woven to look like a spider's web in order to protect the baby's dreams.
See Spider Woman.
Dreamcatchers are an authentic American Indian tradition, from the Ojibway (Chippewa) tribe. The people would tie sinew strands in a web around a small round or tear-shaped frame - in a somewhat similar pattern to how they tied webbing for Ojibway snowshoes--and hang this 'dream-catcher' as a charm to protect sleeping children from nightmares. The legend is that the bad dreams will get caught in the web.
The Dreamcatcher allegedly helps us remember our dreams. It is regarded by some as a serious tool that is much more than a decorative ornament. The opening in the center determines the volume that you are asking to receive and parallels the changes that will occur in your life.
Hang the dreamcatcher near the place where you sleep, on the wall, or perhaps from a lampshade or bedpost. Should your dreams become too active, or if you feel you need a break from the workings of your dreamcatcher, simply lay it down on a flat surface to render it inactive until you are ready to hang it up again. Beads, feathers and fetishes are not appropriate on a dreamcatcher as they interfere with the spiraling motion and can cause disturbing dreams.
Dreamcatcher - Creation Myths
Myth 1
Long ago in the ancient world of the Ojibwe Nation, the Clans were all located in one general area of that place known as Turtle Island.
This is the way that the old Ojibwe storytellers say how Asibikaashi Spider Woman helped Wanabozhoo bring giizis (sun) back to the people.
To this day, Asibikaashi will build her special lodge before dawn. If you are awake at dawn, as you should be, look for her lodge and you will see this miracle of how she captured the sunrise as the light sparkles on the dew which is gathered there.
Asibikaasi took care of her children, the people of the land, and she continues to do so to this day.
When the Ojibwe Nation dispersed to the four corners of North America, to fill a prophecy, Asibikaashi had a difficult time making her journey to all those cradle boards, so the mothers, sisters, and Nokomis (grandmothers) took up the practice of weaving the magical webs for the new babies using willow hoops and sinew or cordage made from plants.
It is in the shape of a circle to represent how giizistravels each day across the sky.
The dream catcher will filter out all the bad bawedjigewin (dreams) & allow only good thoughts to enter into our minds when we are just abinooji. You will see a small hole in the center of each dream catcher where those good bawadjige may come through. With the first rays of sunlight, the bad dreams would perish.
When we see little asibikaashi, we should not fear her, but instead respect and protect her. In honor of their origin, the number of points where the web connected to the hoop numbered 8 for Spider Woman's eight legs or 7 for the Seven Prophecies.
It was traditional to put a feather in the center of the dream catcher; it means breath, or air.
It is essential for life. A baby watching the air playing with the feather on her cradleboard was entertained while also being given a lesson on the importance of good air.
This lesson comes forward in the way that the feather of the owl is kept for wisdom (a woman's feather) and the eagle feather is kept for courage (a man's feather). This is not to say that the use of each is restricted by gender, but that to use the feather each is aware of the gender properties she/he is invoking. (Indian people, in general, are very specific about gender roles and identity.)
The use of gemstones, as we do in the ones we make for sale, is not something that was done by the old ones. Government laws have forbidden the sale of feathers from our sacred birds, so using four gemstones, to represent the four directions, and the stones used by western nations were substituted by us.
Myth 2
Long ago when the world was young, an old Lakota spiritual leader was on a high mountain and had a vision.
In his vision, Iktomi, the great trickster and teacher of wisdom, appeared in the form of a spider.
Iktomi spoke to him in a sacred language that only the spiritual leaders of the Lakota could understand.
As he spoke Iktomi, the spider, took the elder's willow hoop which had feathers, horse hair, beads and offerings on it and began to spin a web.
He spoke to the elder about the cycles of life ... and how we begin our lives as infants and we move on to childhood, and then to adulthood. Finally, we go to old age where we must be taken care of as infants, completing the cycle.
'But,' Iktomi said as he continued to spin his web, 'in each time of life there are many forces -- some good and some bad. If you listen to the good forces, they will steer you in the right direction. But if you listen to the bad forces, they will hurt you and steer you in the wrong direction.'
He continued, 'There are many forces and different directions that can help or interfere with the harmony of nature, and also with the great spirit and-all of his wonderful teachings.'
All the while the spider spoke, he continued to weave his web starting from the outside and working toward the center.
When Iktomi finished speaking, he gave the Lakota elder the web and said...'See, the web is a perfect circle but there is a hole in the center of the circle.'
He said, 'Use the web to help yourself and your people to reach your goals and make good use of your people's ideas, dreams and visions.
'If you believe in the great spirit, the web will catch your good ideas -- and the bad ones will go through the hole.'
The Lakota elder passed on his vision to his people and now the Sioux Indians use the dream catcher as the web of their life.
It is hung above their beds or in their home to sift their dreams and visions.
The good in their dreams are captured in the web of life and carried with them...but the evil in their dreams escapes through the hole in the center of the web and are no longer a part of them.
They believe that the dream catcher holds the destiny of their future.
Creating a Dreamcatcher
Materials:
5 inch ring
4 yds Suede Lacing
1/8inch 3yds Sinew (waxed nylon string)
1 Small Concho
12 Pony Beads
16 Pony Beads
Feathers
Scissors
Glue
Clothes Pin
If you cannot obtain the supplies, try making one using a small green branch from a tree about 1 cm in diameter and 1 meter long. Just bind the ends of the branch together and then make the web in the same way.
This is just one way to make dreamcatchers, I make many different styles, and no two ever look exactly the same. Be creative, and see how many different ones your can make.
1. Cut 8 ft. of the suede lacing. Glue one end of the lacing to the ring. Wrap the suede lacing around the ring until you reach the starting point again. Be careful not to twist the lacing. Glue the end of the lacing to the ring. Hold it in place with a clothespin until the glue dries (Figure 1).
2. To make the web, tie one end of the immitation sinew to the ring (Figure 2). Make nine half hitch knots around the ring spacing them about 1-1/2' apart (Figure 3). Make the last hitch a little closer to the first knot as this prevents a large gap from forming. Keep the thread pulled snug between the knots.
3. Begin the next row of the web in the middle of the thread that you have already weaved on row 1.(Figure 4). Continue weaving in the same way until you have a small hole left in the center. Tie a double knot in the cord, add a tiny drop of glue to the knot and cut off remaining thread when dry. (Figures 5 & 6).
4. To make the loop to hang your Dream Catcher, use a 12' piece of suede lacing. Fold it in half and tie a knot in the open end. At the top of the ring, attach the lacing by slipping the loop end through the ring and then around the ring and over the knot. Pull the lacing tight to secure it in place.
5. To make the hanging sections, cut three 8' pieces of suede Tie two 8' pieces of suede lacing about one third of the way up each side of the ring using a double knot. Slip 3 colored pony beads onto each piece of lacing and secure with a knot.
6. Using the last 8' piece of lacing to attach small concho to top middle of the ring. Slip three pony beads onto each piece of lacing.
7. Finally, push two feathers up inside the beads on each piece of lacing except the one hanging from the concho. Glue the feathers if they are loose. The last 4 feathers are attatched 2 each side of the concho.
To make larger sizes : 12 inch rings needs approx. 7 yds of 1/8 suede lacing to bind it 9 inch ring - 6 yds 6 inch ring - 4 yds Remember that you will need extra suede for the laces and hanger.
Dream catchers made of willow and sinew are for children, and they are not meant to last. Eventually the willow dries out and the tension of the sinew collapses the dream catcher. That's supposed to happen. It belies the temporary-ness of youth. Adults should use dream catchers of woven fiber which is made up to reflect their adult 'dreams.' It is also customary in many parts of Canada and the Northeastern U.S. to have the dream catchers be a tear-drop/snow shoe shape.
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The story of dream catchers is enchanting, including the origin, symbolism and legend of dream catchers, and the traditional beads and materials used to make dream catchers. In some Native American cultures, a dreamcatcher, the inanimate form of the word for 'spider,' is an intricately knotted, spider-like web woven in a rounded hoop with sacred items such as symbolic charms and feathers dangling from the center of the web or hoop. These traditional Native American dreamcatchers were often hung over cradles as protection. Let's discover how dream catchers came to be, how they work and how to make your own dream catcher patterns and designs.If you research dream catchers, you will find as many individual tales of the dream catcher's origin as there are individual tribal nations. The Sioux Nation of the plains region is thought to be the first to use the dream catcher, but the dream catcher is now widely seen throughout the world. Dreamcatchers are commonly used as home décor and also found in jewelry designs including elaborate necklaces and dangle earrings.Dreamcatcher History
The most prevalent dream catcher legend tells of a shaman suffering from nightmarish dreams that began to plague his health. In an effort to heal himself, he hung a medicine wheel above his head where he slept hoping it would relieve him. After many days of no relief, a benevolent Grandmother Spider and a wise Grandfather Owl, seeing the medicine wheel hanging there above the shaman, devised a plan to trap the nightmare dreams that were making him ill. Grandmother Spider toiled, using her silk to spin an intricate web within the wheel, leaving a small hole in the very center. Then, Grandfather Owl flew by and dropped a large feather. The feather floated down and gently landed at center of the web, catching beside the tiny center hole.As the shaman slept that first night, the nightmare dreams that came again to inflict him were ensnared in Grandmother Spider's webbing. They struggled and thrashed to escape in vain, becoming hopelessly entangled in the web, yet the peaceful dreams were easily able to find their way through the small center hole and floated down the feather to the sleeping shaman. When the sun rose that next morning, the nightmare dreams evaporated away like dew. The shaman awoke from a restful sleep feeling surprisingly at peace and well. When he stretched a big morning stretch, he glanced up and was astonished to see the medicine wheel he had hung above him transformed into a dream catcher by Grandmother Spider and Grandfather Owl. Saying a word of appreciation for the healing he knew he had received, he shared wisdom of the dream catcher with his people. The dream catcher has been used from that day to filter dreams and protect those who slumber from menace.Dreamcatcher Materials
The materials used to make each dream catcher are symbolically important and specific to the age and personality of the owner. For instance, a child's dream catcher is traditionally made using a fresh cut willow branch that is looped and tied into a teardrop shape and then knotted with an intricate web and the smallest center hole possible. This tiny hole ensures that only the best of dreams can travel down the feather. A child's dream catcher is meant to represent the fleeting years of youth because as the willow branch dries, the webbing becomes loose and the dream catcher eventually collapses.It is also traditional to put a feather in the center of a child's dream catcher to represent the living breath that is considered essential for life. The feather has multiple functions, from entertaining a child with delightful movement in the breeze to teaching the wisdom and importance of having good air. Four owl or eagle feathers were often used to represent the four winds in dream catchers. Since the use of eagle and owl feathers is restricted, the use of other bird feathers from more common, large-feathered birds and gemstones with metaphysical properties are now used. Discover the meaning of different gemstones, including their history and background, and metaphysical and healing properties in Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' FREE Gem Notes Resource.An adult dream catcher is made with a rigid ring and woven materials that reflect the personality and nature of the owner. Adult dream catchers don't always have feathers, and often include metal feather fetish charms and fringed beads in lieu of real feathers.Make Your Own Dreamcatcher
All dream catchers begin with a round or teardrop frame that can be made of branches, metal, bone or willow boughs with a web that is hand-knotted. The web can be of sinew or other various stringing material as preference and availability dictate.Various beads and feathers, although not required, can be dangled from the edges of the ring or from the center hole. It is thought that adding beads and feathers to accent the center hole helped camouflage the center hole and confuse nightmares as well as add decorative interest.Sinew is a primitive thread that is made by drying and separating the tendons of deer, elk or other large game animals. Once it is completely dry, the tendon looks like a twig and it is pounded to break it up into very small fibrous threads. This very strong material was traditionally used by Native Americans as thread for sewing, binding and other things. Woven grasses and bark twines have also been used to web dream catchers.You can make beautiful and meaningful frames from looped tree branches, metal hoops or anything else that is sturdy and can be lashed onto. For the webbing, synthetic sinew, hemp cord, silk thread, leather laces or wire can be used.Personalize your dream catcher using pressed and fire-polished glass, Swarovski crystal and designer gemstone beads in beautiful natural and dyed colors. For instance a round, teardrop, fish, octagon, marquise, oval or any other shape you imagine. There have even been innovators who have created double-circle dream catchers, also known as figure eight dream catchers, which are intensely web-knotted around two overlapping round frames.Dreamcatchers in Weddings
Keep the bad vibes out and only the good coming in with dreamcatcher jewelry, décor, backdrops, designs on your cake and more. Dreamcatchers are often used in weddings of those with Native American descent, and those looking to create a more nature-inspired, Boho atmosphere to their wedding.The materials used in dreamcatchers varies greatly, and can be completely customized to fit the color of your wedding. That's right, it isn't just about white for wedding dreamcatchers. While gemstone beads such as turquoise still reign as a favorite, feel free to add in other beads, including birthstones of you and your betrothed or sparkly Swarovski crystals. String colorful thread, lace, feathers and more. It's not just the spider-web like patterns we've seen either. Some hoops are almost completely open, with one or two sticks dividing the circle, and others have the entire hoop filled with intricate macramé designs. Branch out from the circular design as well by creating heart, oval, crescent moon or triangle shapes, too.Altar
Swarovski Crystal Dream Catcher Ideas
Hang an oversized (4- to 6-foot) dream catcher wrapped in twine, greenery, flowers, feathers, lace, tassels and beadwork where you'll be saying 'I do' for visual interest. Another option is to hang two large dreamcatchers on either side with floor-length dangles to frame the ceremony.Backdrops
Dangle a dozen or so dreamcatchers of various sizes and designs from trees or a gazebo for the perfect background in your sunset photos. If there's a breeze at your venue, long gauzy strips of fabric, thin leather, macramé and feathers create a whimsical scene. This scene is also perfect for setting up behind the gift table, around the bar area, dessert table and, of course, the dance floor with added cascades of fairy lights or antique light bulbs.Seating Chart
Swarovski Crystal Dream Catcher Necklace
Hang dreamcatchers in a pattern that matches your table layout so your guests can discover what table is theirs by finding their name written on a feather. Providing small individual dreamcatchers is another option with a feather or tag denoting the name and table number of each guest. And lastly, we've seen a giant dreamcatcher that contains each table's list of names for guests to find their spot. If you're into a more free-spirited seating plan, small dreamcatchers work as favors for helping make your 'dream wedding' come true.Jewelry
Of course, we have to cover dreamcatcher jewelry. Small dreamcatchers can be created from beadable hoops or circles formed out of wire. Wire-wrap beads along the frame, dangle beaded dangles from the bottom, add a charm in the webbed design and more. There is no right or wrong dreamcatcher design, so it can be completely customized. Dreamcatchers work not only for women's jewelry as pendants (bridesmaids) and bib-style necklaces (the bride), but also as unique boutonnieres pinned standalone or with a flower.Extra Details
Crystal Dream Bracelet
Add the words 'Hers' and 'His' inside two dreamcatchers to hang from the bride and groom's chairs during the reception. Have your florist insert a dreamcatcher into your bouquet with trailing tulle and ribbon. Ask for dreamcatcher designs on your cake, add them into tablescape centerpieces and so much more!Recently, dream catcher-styled jewelry has become more prominent in everyday fashion. Seen in miniature proportions dangling from earwires, as charms from purses and bracelets and as necklace pendants, these versions are often made with metal hoops tied with fine sterling silver wire webbing and tiny turquoise chips beads or metal feather fetish charms. Find a FREE dream catcher earring project to get started today.However you choose to personalize and use your dream catcher, incorporating quality materials that hold a special or symbolic meaning to you will give your dream catcher a deeper and more powerful meaning. Once completed, enjoy displaying your example of this beautiful Native American tradition.Happy dreaming!Design with ...Additional Resources ...- 'Cultural Symbols in Jewelry' article
- 'Style Snapshot: Macramé' article
- 'Thread, Cord and Wire for Jewelry-Making' article