Sioux Dream Catcher
Answer: Dream catchers have long been a part of Native American religion, lore, and art, originating with the Ojibwe, or Chippewa, and the Lakota, a confederation of seven Sioux tribes. Dream catchers are webbed and beaded circles hung with feathers from the base of the circle. As one might suspect, the purpose of a dream catcher is to catch dreams—that is, to trap bad or evil dreams and channel good dreams to the sleeper. Dream catchers are usually placed in a window or above the bed, allowing the good dreams to drip down the feathers onto the sleeper below.
Lakota Sioux Dreamcatcher St. Joseph’s School New NIP. 1.5' Native American Key Fob Dream Catcher Fr St. Joseph's Indian School - NIP. – the dream catcher Is important to the Lakota based on the legend below – according to legend: The dream catcher catches all the good in their dreams and visions in the web and is carried with those people for their lives – The bad/ evil in their dreams escapes through the hole in the center and are no longer apart of them. Lakota Sioux Dreamcatcher St. Joseph’s School New NIP. 1.5' Native American Key Fob Dream Catcher Fr St. Joseph's Indian School - NIP.
Essentially, a dream catcher is intended to manipulate the spirit world. Some people believe in the efficacy of dream catchers. Others are unsure but are superstitious enough to keep one in the bedroom. Still others see dream catchers as part of a cultural history or a piece of art that looks good dangling from a rear-view mirror.
Knowing the background of dream catchers and their talisman-like use, many Christians want nothing to do with them. Is such concern warranted? A passage in 1 Corinthians 8 may be helpful. Paul is speaking to Christians living in an extremely pagan culture ruled by superstition, magic, and sacrifices, all done in the name of various idols. The sacrifices were a particular concern, for the meat sacrificed was then sold at market. Some Christians felt eating sacrificed meat was endorsing the sacrifice and therefore inappropriate for a Christian; others believed that, since they were not worshiping the idol themselves, it was not wrong.
Paul’s guidance was this: “There may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”—yet for us there is one God. . . . However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled” (1 Corinthians 8:5–7). Ultimately, “food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do,” yet we must be careful “that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak” (1 Corinthians 8:8, 9). Just as it was with meat associated with idolatry in the 1st century, so it is with superstitious objects in the 21st.
The Christian understands that false gods are nothing and that a dream catcher has no power in itself. The believer in Christ could easily see a dream catcher as nothing more than a craft or a cultural expression. However, before he buys a dream catcher and hangs it in the window, he should consider other people’s reactions to it. Will others see it as a charm to manipulate the spirit world? Will someone assume the one in possession of a dream catcher approves of Indian religions? Keeping a dream catcher is a matter of conscience; as long as it is not used as a good luck charm, it is innocent enough. But consideration must be given to those we seek to minister to.
What is a Dreamcatcher?
Sioux Dream Catchers History
Some consider the dreamcatcher a symbol of unity among the various Indian Nations, and a general symbol of identification with Native American or First Nations cultures.
Dreamcatchers are an authentic American Indian tradition from the Ojibway (Chippewa) tribe. A dreamcatcher is a based on a hoop (traditionally of willow), on which is woven a net or web of sinew in a somewhat similar pattern to how the Ojibway tied webbing for snowshoes. A 'dream-catcher' was hung in the sleeping area as a charm to protect children from nightmares. A legend holds that a dreamcatcher filters a person's dreams, letting through the good ones and trapping bad dreams in the web. Some believe that a dreamcatcher can help us remember our dreams.
Dreamcatchers are often decorated with personal and sacred items such as feathers, totems and beads. While these additions may make a dreamcatcher appealing and add to them as a work of art, it is suggested by some that such ornaments are not appropriate on dreamcatchers used for 'catching dreams' as they could interfere with the spiraling motion of the web and can cause disturbing dreams.
Generally, a dreamcatcher is suspended near the place where you sleep, on the wall, or perhaps from a lampshade or bedpost.
Paula wondered: “Can I add things to my dreamcatcher?”'When I took my large dreamcatcher home, I was immediately tempted to hook a beautiful amber seahorse on it but I didn’t want to interfere with the energy or power of Cynthia Whitehawk’s beautiful creation. So before I added anything I asked her. 'She replied: 'Oh, Seahorse or whatever you choose to add to dream catchers are actually great. A dream catcher invites those personal totems that bring one smiles, good thoughts, powerful energy . . . we are just providing a start, giving a direction to go. Healing is a very personal thing, as you well know.' ” |
What is a Mandalla?
Dreamcatchers Hair Extensions
A Mandala is similar in shape to a dreamcatcher but it usually has no web. Instead, the hoop is filled with yarn, feathers, fur and usually has feathers hanging from the bottom. Mandala is something you hang for prosperity and good fortune on a door or wall inside your office, home, hogan, or tipi.