Native Americans regarded dreams with respect & felt they influenced the soul of the dreamer.  They were a way of obtaining sacred wisdom & guidance.  Legend says, the night is filled with dreams; both good & bad.  The dreamcatcher, when hung over or near your bed is symbol of protection & catches the dreams as they flow by.  The good dreams knowing the way, will pass through the dreamcatcher...down through the feather & gently float to the dreamer below. The bad dreams not knowing the way, will get tangled & perish with the first light of day.