The Pheasant Feather: Historical Significance

The historical use of feathers spans many continents, eras, and meanings. Egypt, Pakistan, North America, and China—just to name a few—have extensively used the pheasant feather in their rituals, entertainment, and arts. In general, feathers of all kinds have found widespread use in the past as part of initiation ceremonies, as rewards, and even as currency in some Native American tribes.

Across several cultures, bird feathers have been used as costuming to signify a priest, a warrior, or a shaman; to tell a story through headdress; and even as part of the entertainment culture, most notably and currently in Chinese operas. The pheasant feather in particular has been a commonly used piece due to wide variations in size and color.

The use of feathers in costumes would symbolize freedom or represent a winged mythological creature, such as a dragon, a gryphon, a quetzal, or a sphinx.

While the dream catcher has become a popular craft item, it still holds much meaning and significance and there are many craftspeople that take special care in the making of dream catchers. These crafters still use natural materials, such as hides, antlers, beads, and feathers to create their dream catcher. One particular staple is the duck feather, although many types have been used, such as the pheasant feather, the peacock feather, or the grouse feather.

Traditionally, the dream catcher would be placed in the tipi or lodging, and possibly near a crib or sleeping area to ensure good dreams and restful sleep. The legend says that the web-like construction would trap the bad dreams floating about and only allow good dreams to pass through the center. The bad dreams could then drift down the duck feather and disappear. The beads on a dream catcher represent the bad dreams that have been caught.

Making your own dream catcher can be as simple as purchasing a kit from a craft store. Feel free to also find decorations that have special significance to you. Continental Feathers offers a wide variety of bird feathers, including duck, goose feathers and peacock, that can help you make it your own.