Dreamcatchers: Origin, Types and How to Hang One

The dreamcatcher comes from the Ojibwe (Anishinaabe) people, whose word for it, asabikeshiinh, translates to "spider". The pieces we sell are decorative home accessories inspired by that design, not handmade pieces from an Ojibwe artisan or community. Choose a style by where you will hang it: classic hoops and macrame for walls, small wind chime styles for windows, and mini versions for cars.

Where do dreamcatchers come from?

The dreamcatcher is a webbed hoop that, in the Ojibwe (Anishinaabe) tradition, is hung over a sleeping space in the belief that good dreams pass through while bad dreams get caught in the web. We say this plainly because the origin is specific, not a vague ancient legend. The pieces in our dreamcatcher collection are decorative, mass-produced home accessories inspired by the design. If the tradition matters to you, look for work by Indigenous makers as well.

Dreamcatcher styles

"Wind chime" in these names describes the way the hanging tail moves and gently taps in airflow, not a tuned musical instrument, so treat the sound as a soft ambient accent. For light-catching pieces on their own, see the sun catcher collection.

Macrame or feathers?

Macrame is a genuine textile craft of its own, a knotting technique with a long history, and it is separate from the woven web of a dreamcatcher. A macrame dreamcatcher borrows the hoop and the hanging tail, but its look is calmer and more textural than a feathered hoop. Our macrame pieces are handwoven from natural cotton cord. The Macrame Moon shapes the cord into a moon silhouette on a wooden hoop, and the Boho Macrame Leaf adds a leaf motif. For a display around Eid and Ramadan or as year-round bohemian decor, see the Macrame Dream Catcher for Eid.

Feathered hoops, by contrast, add color and movement. Several of our pieces use dyed feathers and glass or crystal-style beads, and some use a metal frame in a European-inspired silhouette rather than the classic woven web. The Handmade Sunflower Dream Catcher, for example, uses a hand-crocheted sunflower in cotton thread on a metal frame.

How to choose

• For a bedroom wall, a larger macrame or hoop piece reads as a statement.
• For a window, shelf or small room, choose a compact piece, such as the wind chime and wall pendant, which is sized for smaller spaces.
• For a dark corner or a reading nook, a style with an LED gives a soft glow after dark. Check whether the version you pick includes the light.
• For a gift, a set of small pieces or a mini car style is easy to give.

Matching a dreamcatcher to a room

• Neutral or all-white room. The Nordic Tassel style swaps feathers for soft white fabric tassels and reads as quieter and more minimalist.
• Boho or colorful room. Feather and bead styles in several colors suit layered, patterned spaces.
• Kids' room. Whimsical shapes such as the unicorn are aimed at kids' rooms and nurseries. Hang them well out of reach and keep small beads, feathers and cords away from babies.
• Window or sunny spot. Prism styles scatter sunlight as small rainbows when it hits the glass.
• Wall with several pieces. A set of coordinated macrame pieces hangs as an instant gallery wall.

Check the color list on each product page. A few product titles name a color that is not among the options actually offered, and the pages say so plainly.

How to hang and clean one

1. Hang it by its loop from a hook, nail or adhesive strip, in a spot where it can move freely, such as near a window or above a doorway.
2. Keep it away from candles, heaters and other heat.
3. Dust it gently and regularly with a soft brush.
4. Keep small beads, feathers and cords out of reach of babies and pets.

Light-up dreamcatchers: a note on batteries

LED dreamcatchers use a small battery-powered light, and many are offered with or without it. Check the option you select. Keep batteries and small parts out of reach of children and pets, and replace them as the instructions say. If the light stops working, check the battery first.

A note on beliefs

This guide describes traditional and personal practices for reflection and enjoyment. It is not a substitute for professional medical, legal or financial advice, and it makes no promise about outcomes.

Related reading

• 7-Day Candles: Colors, Meanings and How to Burn Them Safely

Frequently asked questions

What does dreamcatcher mean?

The dreamcatcher comes from the Ojibwe (Anishinaabe) people, whose word for it, asabikeshiinh, translates to spider. A webbed hoop is hung over a sleeping space in the belief that good dreams pass through and bad dreams are caught.

Are your dreamcatchers made by Native American artisans?

No. Our dreamcatchers are decorative, mass-produced home accessories inspired by the design, not handmade pieces from an Ojibwe artisan or community.

Where should I hang a dreamcatcher?

Hang it by its loop on a wall, near a window or above a doorway, where it can move freely and away from heat.

How do I clean a dreamcatcher?

Dust it gently and regularly with a soft brush.

Is a macrame dreamcatcher a real dreamcatcher?

Macrame is a separate knotting craft. A macrame dreamcatcher borrows the hoop and hanging tail of the design and gives it a calmer, more textural look.

Are dreamcatchers safe for children's rooms?

Hang them well out of reach, and keep small beads, feathers and cords away from babies and pets.

This guide is general information about fragrance, aromatherapy and home use. It is not medical advice.