Where does it originate from? Who made it first? Why does it still enjoy great popularity today? We seek to answer these questions in our article below!
The first dreamcatcher, also known as a dream trap, was made by the Ojibwe Native American tribe, and later other Native American tribes adopted this tradition. The dreamcatcher is an object made of a large hoop with a web-like weave resembling a spider’s web in the center and decorations hanging from the bottom. The hoop of the dreamcatcher symbolizes the Sun, which takes an arc across the sky every day, then returns again and again at dawn, forming an infinite circle. According to legend, the web in the center traps bad dreams while we sleep, and with the first rays of dawn, these bad dreams vanish.
Initially, the hanging decorations on the dreamcatcher were made of feathers, later they included stones, colorful beads, and weavings. The hanging feathers and weavings help guide good and pleasant dreams to the dreamer.
Originally, in the Native American tribe, each generation made a new dreamcatcher for themselves, usually a task performed by women. However, instead of creating new dreamcatchers in each generation, the tribe members would attach their own to the existing dreamcatcher, thus forming a symbolic representation of successive generations.
Dreamcatchers in the 21st
Century Dreamcatchers are now used not necessarily for their attributed “effects,” but simply as home decorations. Of course, there are still those who prefer the traditional-looking pieces adorned with feathers and beads. However, the legend of dreamcatchers is fading while they are gaining more space as interior design decorations. Dreamcatchers have an interesting duality surrounding them, yet their popularity remains unwavering. Nowadays, we can find dream guardians made with macramé techniques, embroidered or crocheted hoops symbolizing dreamcatchers, and even wall hangings featuring intriguing dreamcatcher motifs.
Interestingly, the demand for dreamcatchers increases in spring and summer, especially for colorful and eye-catching pieces, while it diminishes during winter.
Drives away bad dreams and serves as beautiful decor
To this day, many people hang dreamcatchers above their beds to help facilitate peaceful sleep. They are also placed over the beds of restless babies who cry a lot at night, aiming to make their nights easier. Additionally, there are more and more people who simply use them for home decoration purposes due to their visually appealing colors and soft, pleasant texture.
According to legend, the creation of each dreamcatcher requires great tranquility and positive thoughts because it possesses a soul that absorbs the energy of its maker. How one chooses to use a dreamcatcher is entirely up to them.
