In some Native American and First Nations cultures, a dreamcatcher or dream catcher is a handmade willow hoop, on which is woven a net or web. The dreamcatcher may also include sacred items such as certain feathers or beads. Traditionally they are hung over a cradle or bed as protection. The dreamcatcher originates in Anishinaabe culture as the "spider web charm" - Anishinaabemowin: asubakacin "net-like" ; bwaajige ngwaagan "dream snare" - a hoop with woven string or sinew meant to replicate a spider's web, used as a protective charm for infants.
