Dreamcatchers

[cointreau]

I have just been asked by a nine-year-old how one knows when there is a dream in a Dreamcatcher. Is there any answer or folklore relating to this? Any answers would be gratefully received, as I am stumped on that one. Thanks!

[Clanad]

The willow hoop with its intricate, but simple web of rawhide or sinew is not typical of all Native American tribes. It originated with the Ojibway (Chippewa in English) who themselves, originated near the Great Lakes here in North America. The legend of how it came to be involves Subbeka'she (the Spider) being saved from death by Nokomis (The Grandmother) and greatfully weaving a special web. The web became the pattern for the Dream Catchers for the Ojibway. They catch the nightmares and keep them until the Sun rises, at which time they die. In the mean time, sweet dreams are allowed to slip through the holes decorated with sacred feathers and float to the sleeping child.
Dream catchers have caught on over the years, with other tribes and they are made and sold by many of them now...

[cointreau]

Thank you very much for such a clear answer...it's most helpful. I'm not sure if the Dreamcatcher seems a bit freaky to some kids, although it is a lovely concept in itself from an adult's point of view. Hopefully your answer will reassure all the more...thanks again

[Octavius]

Yes, to a nine year old you probably need to explain that the (good) dreams are not caught but allowed to flow through (the web) and go to the sleeping person. It is only the bad dreams which are 'caught' and these perish and disappear at the rising of the sun.

[cointreau]

Thank you for the reassuring reply...hopefully nine-year-olds don't have too many bad dreams anyway, but I've noticed that even the kids' newsrounds are quite hairy these days! It can be quite difficult to know what to say, so thanks again...