Dreamcatchers have long been a mystical and sacred craft that have historically represented protection and unity. They are not only decorative hoops with feathers and beads, but a symbol rich with history and meaning within Native American culture. There are different interpretations for their meaning, but the main legend can be traced back to the Ojibwe people associated with Asibaikaashi or otherwise known as “spider woman”. Within Ojibwe culture, spiders were considered important and natural guardians of the home. Asibaikaashi was known as the ultimate protector of all the Ojibwe infants and younger children. As the Ojibwe people spread across the land it became more challenging for Asibaikaashi to protect everyone, so the first dreamcatcher was created.  The Ojibwe women weaved dreamcatchers with special protection intention, willow hoops and feathers to gift as guardianship to the Ojibwe children.

     The weaving resembled the spider web to represent the magical and protective properties of Asibaikaashi and spiders. Much like a spider web catches intruders in its intricate web, so does the dreamcatcher- only with bad dreams or heavy energy in this case. They were to be hung above a baby’s bed to help filter out any harmful dreams in the night. They were designed to trap any bad dreams in the net and release good dreams down into the feather to fall gently upon the sleeping child. Any harmful dreams were dispelled in the sunlight at first morning’s light. The use and creation were accepted by other tribes who adopted the dreamcatcher and continued its tradition. The dreamcatcher is a blessed item respected for its history and power. Symbolically, it is a sign of the matriarch’s protection, blessings, and positive energy to her children.