Difference between revisions of "Dreamcatcher" - New World Encyclopedia
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The origins of the dreamcatcher are quite unclear, mostly due to the loss of much Native American history during European contact, colonization, and forced relocations. It should come as no surprise that the persecution of the Native Americans had such a detrimental impact on their history. Yet, legends surrounding the dreamcatcher exist in nearly all tribes across North America, and most of those legends revolve around similar themes: Spirits, spiders, and most prominently, dreams.<ref name=art>Diana Blake, [http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art37506.asp Legends of the Native American Dreamcatcher,] Art History. Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref> | The origins of the dreamcatcher are quite unclear, mostly due to the loss of much Native American history during European contact, colonization, and forced relocations. It should come as no surprise that the persecution of the Native Americans had such a detrimental impact on their history. Yet, legends surrounding the dreamcatcher exist in nearly all tribes across North America, and most of those legends revolve around similar themes: Spirits, spiders, and most prominently, dreams.<ref name=art>Diana Blake, [http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art37506.asp Legends of the Native American Dreamcatcher,] Art History. Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref> | ||
| − | The first documented observation of the dreamcatcher was in 1929, among the Ojibwe (known then as the Chippewa), by [[ethnography|ethnographer]] [[Frances Densmore]]. Many believe that dreamcatchers indeed originated in the [[Ojibwa]] Nation, and that during the [[pan-Indian movement]] of the [[1960s]] and [[1970s]], they were adopted by [[Native Americans of the United States|Native American]]s of a number of different Nations in an effort to show solidarity. They came to be seen by some as a symbol of unity among the various Indian Nations, and as a general symbol of identification with Native American or [[First Nations]] cultures. However, some Native Americans have come to see them as "tacky" and over-commercialized due to their acceptance in popular culture.<ref name=languages/> | + | The first documented observation of the dreamcatcher was in 1929, among the Ojibwe (known then as the Chippewa), by [[ethnography|ethnographer]] [[Frances Densmore]]. Many believe that dreamcatchers indeed originated in the [[Ojibwa]] Nation, and that during the [[pan-Indian movement]] of the [[1960s]] and [[1970s]], they were adopted by [[Native Americans of the United States|Native American]]s of a number of different Nations in an effort to show solidarity. They came to be seen by some as a symbol of unity among the various Indian Nations, and as a general symbol of identification with Native American or [[First Nations]] cultures. However, some Native Americans have come to see them as "tacky" and over-commercialized due to their acceptance in popular culture.<ref name=languages>Native Languages, [http://www.native-languages.org/dreamcatchers.htm Dream Catchers.] Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref> |
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). In fact, red willow, common in many parts of the United States, was originally used, along with red twig dogwood and other members of the willow family.<ref name=dreamcatcher>Dream-Catchers.org, [http://www.dream-catchers.org/dream-catchers-faq.php What is a Dream Catcher?] Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref> Feathers are then connected to the finished product, connected either by further sinew or, as was also common, stalk of the stinging nettle.<ref name=dreamcatcher/> | 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). In fact, red willow, common in many parts of the United States, was originally used, along with red twig dogwood and other members of the willow family.<ref name=dreamcatcher>Dream-Catchers.org, [http://www.dream-catchers.org/dream-catchers-faq.php What is a Dream Catcher?] Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref> Feathers are then connected to the finished product, connected either by further sinew or, as was also common, stalk of the stinging nettle.<ref name=dreamcatcher/> | ||
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==Legends== | ==Legends== | ||
===Ojibwa=== | ===Ojibwa=== | ||
| − | + | According to Ojibwe legend, long ago, Asibikaashi (Spider Woman) brought the sun back to the sky each day. However, as the Ojibwe Nation spread to the ends of the earth, her task became more laborious and Spider Woman began to find it difficult to make the trek for all of her people. Rather, she directed mothers, sisters, and grandmothers to weave magical webs for new babies using hoops made from willow twigs. Called dreamcatchers, they would allow only pleasant dreams to enter the babies' minds as they slept.<ref name=art/> | |
| − | The | + | The circle of the hoops represented the sun. The web's connection with the hoops in eight places represented the eight legs of Spider Woman. When the web only connects in seven places, this represents the [[Seven Prophecies]] (a prophecy marking the seven epochs of Turtle Island—or North America). Feathers in the center of the dreamcatcher represented spirit (breath) and life. Adults kept a feather in their possession rather than on their dreamcatcher.<ref name=art/> |
| − | + | The Ojibwa believe that a dreamcatcher filters a person's dreams. Bad dreams are caught in the web, to be burned away by the morning sun, while good dreams are guided through a small hole in the center, and then to the feathers and into the sleeper's head.<ref name=legends>A collection of Dreamcatcher Lore, [http://www.cynaunltd.com/dreamcatcher_legends.htm Dreamcatcher Legends.] Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref> | |
| − | The | ||
===Lakota=== | ===Lakota=== | ||
| − | The Lakota tell of the tribe elder who long, long ago had a vision on a mountaintop. Iktomi, the great teacher, appeared to him in the form of a spider and spoke to him. As he spoke, he spun a web on a hoop of feathers, horse hairs and beads. Iktomi spoke of the cycles of life and how human choices could affect the harmony of nature. He gave the elder the hoop and pointed out how the web was a perfect circle with a hole in its center. He explained how belief in the Great Spirit would allow the hoop to catch good dreams, letting the bad dreams go through the hole in the center of the hoop. Iktomi told how the web would help his people make good use of their ideas and visions. | + | The Lakota tell of the tribe elder who long, long ago had a vision on a mountaintop. Iktomi, the great teacher, appeared to him in the form of a spider and spoke to him. As he spoke, he spun a web on a hoop of feathers, horse hairs, and beads. Iktomi spoke of the cycles of life and how human choices could affect the harmony of nature. He gave the elder the hoop and pointed out how the web was a perfect circle with a hole in its center. He explained how belief in the Great Spirit would allow the hoop to catch good dreams, letting the bad dreams go through the hole in the center of the hoop. Iktomi told how the web would help his people make good use of their ideas and visions. |
| − | Another legend | + | |
| + | Another tale, by an unknown author, explained that a Shaman, who had been very ill, was plagued with bad dreams visions.<ref name=legend/> In an effort to get well, he slept with a [[Medicine Wheel]], but one night a spider found its way down to the wheel and began to spin a web. After a very short time, the web covered the wheel, except for a small hole in the wheel's center. As if it had been intended, an [[owl]] soared above in the dark of night, shedding a feather, which floated down, becoming caught in the web, where it hung from the center hole. The following morning, the Shaman awoke as the sun rose, from a peaceful sleep that had been free of bad dreams. In addition, his illness was gone. He felt that his medicine wheel must be the explanation, but he was astonished to see the web and feather hanging from the hole. Thus, the dream catcher was born.<ref name=legend/> | ||
| + | |||
| + | The Lakota dreamcatcher works in a slightly different manner than the Ojibwe dreamcatcher. The Lakota believe that good dreams are caught by the web, almost as if they were picked out of the air, and then are carried with the dreamcatcher's owner for the rest of his or her days. Bad dreams, however, pass through the hole in the center as completely harmless. The dreamcatcher also only worked if the user believed in the [[Great Spirit]].<ref name=legend/> | ||
[[Image:Dreamcatcher grape vine.jpg|thumb|225px|right|Close up of modern, non-traditional dreamcatcher made of grape vine and sinew with turquoise stones surrounding a large quartz crystal. Made by Dreamcatcher.com]] | [[Image:Dreamcatcher grape vine.jpg|thumb|225px|right|Close up of modern, non-traditional dreamcatcher made of grape vine and sinew with turquoise stones surrounding a large quartz crystal. Made by Dreamcatcher.com]] | ||
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During the pan-Indian movement in the 60's and 70's, Ojibway dreamcatchers started to get popular in other Native American tribes, even those in disparate places like the Cherokee, Lakota, and Navajo. So dreamcatchers aren't traditional in most Indian cultures, per se, but they're sort of neo-traditional, like frybread. Today you see them hanging in lots of places other than a child's cradleboard or nursery, like the living room or your rearview mirror. Some Indians think dream-catchers are a sweet and loving little tradition, others consider them a symbol of native unity, and still others think of them as sort of the Indian equivalent of a tacky plastic Jesus hanging in your truck.<ref name=languages>Native Languages, [http://www.native-languages.org/dreamcatchers.htm Dream Catchers.] Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref> | During the pan-Indian movement in the 60's and 70's, Ojibway dreamcatchers started to get popular in other Native American tribes, even those in disparate places like the Cherokee, Lakota, and Navajo. So dreamcatchers aren't traditional in most Indian cultures, per se, but they're sort of neo-traditional, like frybread. Today you see them hanging in lots of places other than a child's cradleboard or nursery, like the living room or your rearview mirror. Some Indians think dream-catchers are a sweet and loving little tradition, others consider them a symbol of native unity, and still others think of them as sort of the Indian equivalent of a tacky plastic Jesus hanging in your truck.<ref name=languages>Native Languages, [http://www.native-languages.org/dreamcatchers.htm Dream Catchers.] Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref> | ||
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==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
| − | |||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
Revision as of 16:04, 2 July 2008
In Ojibwa (Chippewa) culture, a dreamcatcher (or dream catcher; Ojibwe asabikeshiinh, the inanimate form of the word for "spider"[1][2] or bawaajige nagwaagan meaning "dream snare"[2]) is a handmade object based on a willow hoop, on which is woven a loose net or web. The dreamcatcher is then decorated with personal and sacred items such as feathers and beads.
History
The origins of the dreamcatcher are quite unclear, mostly due to the loss of much Native American history during European contact, colonization, and forced relocations. It should come as no surprise that the persecution of the Native Americans had such a detrimental impact on their history. Yet, legends surrounding the dreamcatcher exist in nearly all tribes across North America, and most of those legends revolve around similar themes: Spirits, spiders, and most prominently, dreams.[3]
The first documented observation of the dreamcatcher was in 1929, among the Ojibwe (known then as the Chippewa), by ethnographer Frances Densmore. Many believe that dreamcatchers indeed originated in the Ojibwa Nation, and that during the pan-Indian movement of the 1960s and 1970s, they were adopted by Native Americans of a number of different Nations in an effort to show solidarity. They came to be seen by some as a symbol of unity among the various Indian Nations, and as a general symbol of identification with Native American or First Nations cultures. However, some Native Americans have come to see them as "tacky" and over-commercialized due to their acceptance in popular culture.[4]
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). In fact, red willow, common in many parts of the United States, was originally used, along with red twig dogwood and other members of the willow family.[5] Feathers are then connected to the finished product, connected either by further sinew or, as was also common, stalk of the stinging nettle.[5]
These dreamcatchers were often made by grandmothers or grandfathers of newborn infants and hung above their cradle boards. In Ojibwe tradition, the night air is filled with dreams—good and bad—and newborns are unable to defend against the bad ones. Thus, because bad dreams are both confused and confusing, they get caught in the "web" of the dreamcatcher. Trapped, the bad dreams are then evaporated by the morning sun, as happens with dew on grass. Good dreams, however, are peaceful and make their way through the web, down the feathers, and to the child. The slightest movement of the feathers indicates pleasant dreams.[6]
Dreamcatchers, constructed from organic materials, are not meant to last forever; instead, they are designed to disintegrate over time, as the child grows into an adult.
Legends
Ojibwa
According to Ojibwe legend, long ago, Asibikaashi (Spider Woman) brought the sun back to the sky each day. However, as the Ojibwe Nation spread to the ends of the earth, her task became more laborious and Spider Woman began to find it difficult to make the trek for all of her people. Rather, she directed mothers, sisters, and grandmothers to weave magical webs for new babies using hoops made from willow twigs. Called dreamcatchers, they would allow only pleasant dreams to enter the babies' minds as they slept.[3]
The circle of the hoops represented the sun. The web's connection with the hoops in eight places represented the eight legs of Spider Woman. When the web only connects in seven places, this represents the Seven Prophecies (a prophecy marking the seven epochs of Turtle Island—or North America). Feathers in the center of the dreamcatcher represented spirit (breath) and life. Adults kept a feather in their possession rather than on their dreamcatcher.[3]
The Ojibwa believe that a dreamcatcher filters a person's dreams. Bad dreams are caught in the web, to be burned away by the morning sun, while good dreams are guided through a small hole in the center, and then to the feathers and into the sleeper's head.[7]
Lakota
The Lakota tell of the tribe elder who long, long ago had a vision on a mountaintop. Iktomi, the great teacher, appeared to him in the form of a spider and spoke to him. As he spoke, he spun a web on a hoop of feathers, horse hairs, and beads. Iktomi spoke of the cycles of life and how human choices could affect the harmony of nature. He gave the elder the hoop and pointed out how the web was a perfect circle with a hole in its center. He explained how belief in the Great Spirit would allow the hoop to catch good dreams, letting the bad dreams go through the hole in the center of the hoop. Iktomi told how the web would help his people make good use of their ideas and visions.
Another tale, by an unknown author, explained that a Shaman, who had been very ill, was plagued with bad dreams visions.[8] In an effort to get well, he slept with a Medicine Wheel, but one night a spider found its way down to the wheel and began to spin a web. After a very short time, the web covered the wheel, except for a small hole in the wheel's center. As if it had been intended, an owl soared above in the dark of night, shedding a feather, which floated down, becoming caught in the web, where it hung from the center hole. The following morning, the Shaman awoke as the sun rose, from a peaceful sleep that had been free of bad dreams. In addition, his illness was gone. He felt that his medicine wheel must be the explanation, but he was astonished to see the web and feather hanging from the hole. Thus, the dream catcher was born.[8]
The Lakota dreamcatcher works in a slightly different manner than the Ojibwe dreamcatcher. The Lakota believe that good dreams are caught by the web, almost as if they were picked out of the air, and then are carried with the dreamcatcher's owner for the rest of his or her days. Bad dreams, however, pass through the hole in the center as completely harmless. The dreamcatcher also only worked if the user believed in the Great Spirit.[8]
Popularization
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.[9]
The official portrait of Ralph Klein, former Premier of the Canadian province of Alberta and whose wife Colleen Klein is Metis, incorporates a dreamcatcher.[10]
During the pan-Indian movement in the 60's and 70's, Ojibway dreamcatchers started to get popular in other Native American tribes, even those in disparate places like the Cherokee, Lakota, and Navajo. So dreamcatchers aren't traditional in most Indian cultures, per se, but they're sort of neo-traditional, like frybread. Today you see them hanging in lots of places other than a child's cradleboard or nursery, like the living room or your rearview mirror. Some Indians think dream-catchers are a sweet and loving little tradition, others consider them a symbol of native unity, and still others think of them as sort of the Indian equivalent of a tacky plastic Jesus hanging in your truck.[4]
Notes
- ↑ Freelang Ojibwe Dictionary
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Prindle, Tara. NativeTech: Dream Catchers. Retrieved September 23, 2007.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Diana Blake, Legends of the Native American Dreamcatcher, Art History. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Native Languages, Dream Catchers. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Dream-Catchers.org, What is a Dream Catcher? Retrieved July 2, 2008.
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs nameddreamcatchers - ↑ A collection of Dreamcatcher Lore, Dreamcatcher Legends. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedlegend - ↑ Jenkins, Philip (September 2004). Dream Catchers: How Mainstream America Discovered Native Spirituality. New York: Oxford University Press.
- ↑ Ralph Klein breaks tradition in legislature portrait. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (2007-08-31).
External links
- The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
- Legend of the Dreamcatcher. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
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