The dream catcher is an emblematic Native American object. In Native tradition, the dream catcher is hung on the bedroom window and has the power to catch all dreams.
 
The bad dreams are held in the net until dawn and are burnt by the first sunbeams. The good dreams find their way to the center of the net and are driven down. Holding in the feathers, they will come back during another night.
 
Their purpose was to protect sleepers, especially children, from bad dreams, nightmares, and evil spirits.
 
Native Americans believed that at night, the air was filled with dreams, both good and bad. They would hang a dream catcher over their beds, but they had to be careful that daylight could reach it.
 
Dream catchers are believed to have originated with the Ojibwe people. Their traditional purpose is to filter dreams.
Good dreams: Pass through the center of the dream catcher and down the feathers to the sleeping person below.
Bad dreams: Become trapped in the web, dissipating with the morning sun.
 
While this is the original purpose, dream catchers have evolved to hold a more general symbolic meaning in contemporary culture. They often represent:
Protection: Beyond dreams, they are seen as a protective talisman against negative energies.
Harmony: Dream catchers are believed to promote unity and balance in a space.
Good Luck: Many people see them as symbols of good fortune and positive energy.
Connection to Nature: Dream catchers often incorporate natural materials like feathers and beads, representing a connection to the natural world.
It's important to note that the modern use of dream catchers has expanded beyond their original purpose. They are now primarily seen as decorative items with symbolic meaning rather than strictly functional tools for filtering dreams.