They symbolize oneness and are indicative of Indigenous identity. They can include feathers and beads, and they're traditionally suspended on cradles as a form of armor and protection.Īlthough the tradition began with the Ojibwes, dreamcatchers became widespread within the Native American communities in the 1960s and 1970s as a result of the Pan-Indian Movement. The Significance of Dream Catchers Origins of Dream Catchersĭreamcatchers are handmade willow hoops woven to a web or literally, a net.
