However, they have different interpretations of dreamcatcher purpose. Various tribes have adopted the tradition of the dreamcatcher meaning and symbolism. Differing Interpretations of Dreamcatchers
It was customary for children to keep their dreamcatchers throughout their lifetimes as a good luck amulet. Native Americans also believed that dreamcatcher purpose included protecting children by catching and trapping evil. The dreamcatcher charms were similar to mobiles commonly placed in modern baby cribs. Some Native American mothers strapped their infants to a cradleboard while they worked, with dreamcatcher charms suspended from a hoop to help entertain the babies. They hope to carry charms with them through their lifetimes and into the afterlife. The Ojibwe often make charms to represent symbols shown to them in their dreams that have personal meaning in their lives. They believe that dreams can show them future events that will affect tribes or individuals. The Ojibwe people believe that dreams can provide strength and spiritual guidance to aid them in their personal lives. In the Ojibwe culture, dreamcatcher meaning and symbolism can best be understood by examining the importance of dreams.
