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TATTOO DESIGNS & SYMBOLS - DREAMCATCHERS
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Dreamcatcher
Dreamcatcher Tattoo Meanings
- The image and symbol of the Native American Dream Catchers are a
tattoo design that has captured the imagination of body art
enthusiasts for more than a generation. The Dreamcatcher
tattoo is a powerful symbol of protection, acting as an amulet or
talisman against evil and harm.
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Native Americans have been weaving Dream Catchers for thousands of
years. The earliest examples may have been woven by the nimble
fingers of the Ojibeway people. Small willow hoops holding the
spider-web weave were hung over the cradles of children. They
believed that the web caught hold of everything evil, while sweet
dreams passed down to the sleeping infant along the soft feathers
that were attached. But other interpretations and oral
traditions have come down from different tribes of First Nations. |
 The Lakota legend tells of a vision that came to their spiritual
leader. He encountered 'the great teacher of wisdom' disguised
as a spider, who spoke to him of the life-cycle of the human.
While the wise one talked, he spun a web across the elder's willow
hoop. The perfect circle of the web symbolized the catcher and
holder of good ideas, while the hole in the centre allowed the bad
ones to pass through. Dream Catchers soon found their place
above the sleeping people, catching the good dreams and sending the
evil ones away down the hole in the centre.
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The original hoops were believed to have been about three and a half
inches in diameter, with a web made of nettle-stalk fibre, dyed red.
Later on, the hoops were hung with soft feathers. The figure
'8' is significant in the construction of the spiral, representing
the eight legs of the spider. Some traditions have a stone
placed in the middle, representing the spider, while more recent
legends keep the centre hole open. |
 The turmoil wrought by 'civilization' in recent centuries almost
destroyed the tradition of the Dream Catcher, but today it is more
popular than ever. Belief in its healing powers has gained a
place of respect outside Native American cultures.
Testimonials abound of nightmares disappearing, nocturnal fears
evaporating, and sweet dreams visiting those who slumber beneath
their very own Dream Catcher.
Get
inspired by some great images and photos in our
Dreamcatcher
Inspiration Gallery
See also Native American,
Spider
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Dreamcatcher
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