In her writings, Densmore dispels a common misunderstanding of the Ojibwe dream catcher by indicating that its purpose was to ensnare harmful influences in its web, thereby keeping them from reaching the dreams of children. In other words, a dream catcher would trap the bad dreams that blew freely in the night air and keep them from entering the mind of those it protected. Traditionally, two spider webs were hung on the hoop, and it was said that they protected the child from harmful dreams and other dangers passing through the air.

Infants were given protective charms in the shape of “spiderwebs” that were hung on the hoop of a cradleboard. What is a Dreamcatcher?įrances Densmore, a renowned ethnographer who dedicated decades of her life to working with many Native American tribes, including the Ojibwe, wrote in her 1929 book, Chippewa Customs, about the longstanding existence of dream catchers: The Ojibwe people, often referred to by their anglicized name, 'Chippewa', so insightfully understood the importance of dreams, especially in children, that they attempted to assist a child’s ability to receive good dreams and filter out dark or negative dreams with the use of a dream catcher. Some even take them to the grave when they die for strength in the afterlife. Many Ojibwe make a charm to keep with them to remind them of the symbol.

Symbolism: Dreamers will often see a symbol that has personal meaning to them throughout their lives.

Spiritual Strength: Many Ojibwe people pray, meditate, and fast in order to bring on dreams that will give them spiritual guidance during difficult times.

Names: Spiritual leaders can receive the name of a newborn child through dreams.

Prophecies: Dreams can show future events that will affect a tribe or individual person.Shop All Dream Catchers More About Dream Catchersĭreams have always been a fundamental part of Ojibwe culture and have many purposes.

American Indians believe dreams influence the conscious soul of the dreamer, oftentimes acting as a means for change in personality traits such as confidence, maturity, kindness, and loyalty. Though these modern scientists have provided multiple theories and vast quantities of written analysis, they are by no means the first to have taken on this eternal and elusive subject.ĭream interpretation has directly influenced Native American cultural and spiritual beliefs for centuries.

Psychologists such as Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung have tried to interpret dreams and our subconscious thoughts.

1983 original mandala dream catcher