In some Native American cultures, a dreamcatcher or dream catcher is a hand-made willow hoop, on which is woven a net or web. (It is easy to see why the Native term for dreamcatcher is the same as the word for spider) Dreamcatchers may also include sacred items such as certain feathers or beads. DreamCatchers are also referred to as ‘Sacred Hoops,’ and used as talismans to protect sleeping people (usually children) from bad dreams. It is said that good dreams pass through and gently slide down the feathers so as to comfort the sleeper below.