In some Native American cultures, a dreamcatcher is a handmade object based on a willow hoop, on which is spider web and decorated with sacred items such as feathers and beads. Traditionally, the Ojibwe construct dreamcatchers by tying sinew strands in a web around a small round or tear-shaped frame of willow The resulting "dream-catcher", hung above the bed, is used as a charm to protect sleeping people, usually children, from nightmares.
The Ojibwe believe that a dreamcatcher changes a person's dreams. Good dreams would pass through and slide down the feathers to the sleeper.
The Ojibwe people have an ancient legend about the origin of the dreamcatcher. Storytellers speak of the Spider Woman, she took care of the children and the people on the land. Eventually, the Ojibwe Nation spread to the corners of North America and it became difficult for her to reach all the children. So the mothers and grandmothers would weave magical webs for the children, using willow hoops and sinew, or cordage made from plants. The dreamcatchers would filter out all bad dreams and only allow good thoughts to enter our mind. Once the sun rises, all bad dreams just disappear.