DREAMCATCHER-MAKING WORKSHOP

The workshop will be led by Iva Milisavljević from Niš. Participation is free, and all materials will be provided.

The dreamcatchers made during the workshop will be available for purchase through a silent auction on 11 May, as part of a fundraising event at Gnezdo. All proceeds from the dreamcatchers will go towards our heating fund, and the amount raised will be matched by the Trag Foundation.

A little about the history of dreamcatchers:

Dreamcatchers originate from the traditions of Native American peoples. Traditionally, a dreamcatcher consisted of a small circular frame made from a willow branch, woven with string or leather and decorated with feathers. The circle symbolises the daily journey of the sun, while the feathers represent the “breath of life.” Different feathers also carry different meanings: an owl feather is traditionally associated with wisdom, while an eagle feather represents courage.

Dreamcatchers were made for babies — as hanging objects that would attract their attention, but also protect them while they slept. According to one legend, at the beginning of time Asibikaashi, the Spider Woman, wove dreamcatchers for every newborn child. As the people spread in all four directions, however, it became increasingly difficult for her to reach everyone. Mothers-to-be, grandmothers and sisters therefore took on the task of weaving dreamcatchers themselves.

When a baby was born, a dreamcatcher would be given as a gift and hung above its head. During the day, the baby could watch it sway, play and learn about the movement of air. At night, the dreamcatcher was believed to protect the child from bad dreams while preserving the good ones that would guide them through life.

According to one tradition, bad dreams become trapped in the web and are destroyed by the first rays of the morning sun, while good dreams travel down the feathers to the sleeper. Another tradition says that good dreams are caught and kept in the web, while bad dreams pass through the opening in its centre.

For any additional information, contact us at akc.gnezdo@gmail.com.