One of the central legends behind dream catchers involves the Spider Woman, a spiritual figure in Native American mythology.

The original Ojibwa word for dream catcher is “asabikeshiinh,” which translates to “spider.” The Ojibwa believed that the spider was a symbol of protection and played a vital role in the creation of dream catchers. In this blog post, we will explore the captivating stories and cultural significance behind dream catchers, shedding light on the enchanting “dreamcatcher story.”ĭream catchers have their roots in Native American culture, particularly among the Ojibwa (Chippewa) people. These beautiful objects have a rich history steeped in myths and legends. In the Ojibwe language, the dream catcher is called asabikeshiinh, the inanimate form for spider, or by the phrase bawaajige nagwaagan, meaning “dream snare.”Ĭath Oberholtzer, Dream Catchers: Legend, Lore, and Artifacts (Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books, 2017).Dream catchers, with their intricate web designs and delicate feathers, have become a symbol of spirituality and protection for many. Dream catchers, created from willow twigs and a netting of sinew, were traditionally suspended from the cradle board to prevent illness or bad dreams from reaching the baby in much the same way a spider web captures insects. Among the Anishnabek, these netted charms were initially used to protect infants from colds, illness and evil spirits.

The dream catcher originally had a single function of protecting the young. In various forms, the dream catcher is a part of many Indigenous cultures across Turtle Island (North America).

After being caught in the web, the bad dreams will disappear with dawn’s first light and the good dreams, now knowing the path, are able to visit again. The spider tells Nokomis that the web is to be hung above her bed, as the web allows good dreams to pass through its centre and catches bad dreams in its silky threads.

The spider, grateful to Nokomis for saving her life, rewards the woman by spinning her a magic web. A grandmother, Nokomis, sees that her grandchild is about to kill a spider and she stops him. The Anishnabek (Ojibwe) teaching of the dream catcher is a story of a spider’s protective gift.

How to make the original dream catcher