Dream catcher necklace

I always have a big passion to learn about Indian culture. Their way of life, philosophy, and culture is very unique and interested to learn. I love their handmade arts and paintings which always have a great meaning or a philosophy. So you are not just making things but there is a history behind every arts they make.

 recently I learn to make a dream catcher necklace which is a handmade object based on a willow hoop, on which is woven a loose net or web. The dreamcatcher is then decorated with personal and sacred items such as feathers and beads. (based on wikipedia)

 According to Native Americans, dreams that humans have while they sleep, are sent by sacred spirits as messages. According to their Legend, in the center of the Dream Catcher there is a hole. Good dreams are permitted to reach the sleeper through this hole in the web. As for the bad dreams, the web traps them and they disappear at dawn with the first light. For some, they try to determine what messages are being past onto them and what the message represents.

The Dream Catcher represents several meanings. All of the deborations and materials used to decorate them, all have a special meaning. A single bead in the middle may represent the spider that is on the web. Scattered beads throughout the web may represent good dreams that may have been caught throughout the night. A feather represents a symbol of breath or air which is attached so it hangs from the center of the ring. It is essential for life. A baby watching the air playing with the feather on her cradleboard was entertained while also being given a lesson on the importance of good air. (http://www.thewolfsdencreations.com) Today some artisan jewelry (including me) modify the dream catcher necklace into something more casual and fashionable:

and this is what I recently make:

And that's all about the Dream Catcher.. coming soon i will post another Indian Art which is also inspiring and philosophical.

Love,

Mira.