You’ve probably walked past a dreamcatcher before, perhaps in a souvenir shop or at friend’s home, but have you ever wondered what they’re for? They are more than just a beautiful decoration to adorn your home with.
Dreamcatchers were originally created by Native American Indians. The original versions were usually made of wooden hoops covered in a woven web of natural fibers with sacred and meaningful items attached to them. These would include beads and feathers that would hang from the bottom of the dreamcatcher.
They were used to protect sleeping children from evil spirits and bad dreams. Hanging above their beds, the legend was that the dreamcatcher would let good dreams pass through the web of the dreamcatcher while catching the bad dreams. When the sun’s first rays would hit the dreamcatcher in the morning, the negative energy would be destroyed.
Dreamcatchers serve a protective purpose, and they’re also very beautiful. You can make one yourself with stained glass and feathers and incorporate the native elements to make a glass art piece with traditional items used as well. You can even create it completely as a stained glass interpretation of the original like this Delphi glass artist did, or add in the element of beads with stained glass feathers like this one.
These modern approaches to creating dreamcatchers look beautiful hanging in your windows. Maybe they aren’t fully native creations, however they catch the light and reflect your visions for a contemporary approach on a beautiful tradition. Will you try making one? Make sure to post photos to the Delphi artist gallery and tag it with “dreamcatcher.”
