Dream catchers, originally called Asabikeshiinh, which means spider, hold a rich and sacred history rooted in Native American culture, particularly among the Ojibwe people. These handcrafted items, often woven with a hoop and web-like structure, have transcended time and geography to become widely recognized symbols of protection and spiritual balance.
Origins and History
The dream catcher’s origins can be traced back to the Ojibwe tribe, also known as the Chippewa that lived in southern Canada and the northern Midwest. According to their legends, the dream catcher was created by the Spider Woman, known as Asibikaashi who was a protector of the people, particularly children and babies. As the Ojibwe people spread across North America, it became difficult for Asibikaashi to watch over everyone. So, mothers and grandmothers began weaving dream catchers to extend her protection over their children while they slept.
The Size of Traditional Dream Catchers
One key aspect of authentic Native American dream catchers is their size. Historically, traditional dream catchers made by the Ojibwe and other tribes were quite small, typically only 3 to 5 inches in diameter. Their small size was intentional, as these dream catchers were designed to be hung above cradles or near where children slept. The compact nature of these protective charms made them easy to hang and transport, ensuring the protection they offered could accompany families wherever they went.
The small, delicate structure also reflected the use of natural materials. The red willow hoops, feathers, wood beads and sinew threads, which made up the web, were chosen for their connection to nature and the cycles of life. These materials would eventually break down and return to the earth, symbolizing the impermanence of life and the natural cycles of death and rebirth.
Cultural Significance
Dream catchers were believed to have a protective spiritual function. According to legend, they catch both good and bad dreams. The bad dreams get trapped in the web and are destroyed when the first light of dawn hits them, while the good dreams slip through the hole in the center and make their way down the feathers to the sleeper below.
While the Ojibwe are credited with the dream catcher’s origin, its significance and use spread to other tribes through trade or marriage, particularly during the pan-Indian movement of the 1960s and 1970s. This period saw Native American symbols and cultural elements shared across tribes and with non-Indigenous people, leading to the dream catcher’s popularity beyond Native American culture.
Modern Day and Misappropriation
Today, dream catchers have become a global symbol, often seen as decorative items in homes, cars, and even jewelry. However, their commercialization and mass production have led to concerns about cultural appropriation. Some argue that the sacred meaning of dream catchers is being diluted or misunderstood when taken out of their original context.
Two of the key differences between traditional dream catchers and modern versions are size and materials. While original dream catchers were small and made from natural materials, many of today’s dream catchers are large, decorative, and made from synthetic materials that can’t “return to the earth”. This shift in size and construction highlights the ways in which the dream catcher has been transformed in modern times and can be seen as offensive to Native Americans.
Despite these concerns, many Native Americans continue to view the dream catcher as a powerful symbol of protection, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of life. When treated with respect and understanding, dream catchers serve as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage they represent. Understanding the history and the cultural significance of these small, sacred objects helps to preserve their true meaning and maintain the connection to the Native American traditions from which they originated.