dreamcatchers
Woven hoop talismans
Dreamcatchers are handmade objects traditionally crafted by some Native American peoples, consisting of a woven web inside a hoop, often decorated with feathers and beads.
According to tradition, they filter dreams—letting good ones pass through while trapping nightmares.
Mass-produced versions have become popular decorations, hung in bedrooms, cars, and dorm rooms: She bought a dreamcatcher at the craft fair.
Terrifying sleep experiences
- amuletWorn protective token
- talismanMagical protective charm
- charmAttractive personal quality
- wardProtected person; division
guardian · safeguard · shield · filter · trap · web · spiritual protection · bedside
Algonquian-speaking indigenous nation
- LakotaWestern Sioux people
- Native AmericanOriginal inhabitants of America
- tribalOf a clan
- ancestralOf one's forebears
traditions · cultural heritage · sacred · legends · folklore · mythology · storytelling · ceremonies
Interlacing strands into fabric
- feathersBird's lightweight covering
- beadsSmall pierced ornaments for stringing
- sinewTough connective tissue
- leatherTanned animal skin
string · macrame · handmade · artisanal · craftsmanship · handiwork · DIY · embroidery
nightmares
Terrifying sleep experiences
ward · guardian · safeguard · shield · filter · trap · web · spiritual protection · bedside · blessing
Ojibwe
Algonquian-speaking indigenous nation
- LakotaWestern Sioux people
- Native AmericanOriginal inhabitants of America
- tribalOf a clan
ancestral · traditions · cultural heritage · sacred · legends · folklore · mythology · storytelling · ceremonies · customs
weaving
Interlacing strands into fabric
- feathersBird's lightweight covering
- beadsSmall pierced ornaments for stringing
- sinewTough connective tissue
leather · string · macrame · handmade · artisanal · craftsmanship · handiwork · DIY · embroidery · knitting
bedtime
Designated hour for retiring
- nightstandSmall table beside bed
- bedroomRoom for sleeping
- pillowBedding for heads
bed · slumber · rest · nightmares · nursery · lullaby · moonlight · peaceful · hanging · window
web
Interwoven filament structure
morning light · feathers · beads · trapped · filtered · passage · interconnection · cycles · wholeness
- Indigenous CanadaFirst Nations, Metis, Inuit, Cree, Ojibwe
- Native American arttotem poles, Navajo rugs, featherwork, wampum, ceremonial masks
- Native culturetribal traditions, sacred ceremonies, powwow, native languages, tribal dances
- Indigenous SpiritualityGhost Dance, spirit animals, ancestor spirits, vision quest, ancestral spirits
- World ArtsAfrican art, Asian art, European art, Indian art, Japanese art
- boho stylefringe, macrame, feather earrings, maxi dress, peasant blouse
dreamcatcherscursed objects
Items carrying harmful enchantments
night terrors · nightmare fuel · incubus · succubus · Freddy Krueger
dreamcatchersevil eye
Harm-dealing gaze, supposedly
voodoo dolls · curses · hexes · jinxes · monkey's paw
dreamcatcherscultural appropriation
Misusing another group's traditions