A Glimpse into Ancient Chinese Dream Symbolism

Water and Rivers

Water and rivers in ancient Chinese dreams symbolize wealth, prosperity, and fertility. They represent the flow of life and the abundance of resources available to the dreamer. Still or stagnant water, on the other hand, can indicate obstacles or blockages in the dreamer's life. Crossing a river in a dream suggests that the dreamer is overcoming challenges and obstacles.

Mountains and Rocks

In ancient Chinese dream symbolism, mountains represent strength, stability, and permanence. They are associated with the emperor, who is considered the guardian of the realm. Dreaming of a mountaintop symbolizes reaching a high point in life or achieving a goal.

Rocks, on the other hand, represent steadfastness and resilience. They are often seen as obstacles that must be overcome in order to achieve success. Dreaming of a rock may indicate that you are facing a challenge, but you have the inner strength to overcome it. It can also symbolize hidden potential or resources that you have yet to discover.

Animals and Birds

• Dragons: Power, strength, wisdom, good fortune, protection, and the emperor.
• Tigers: Courage, strength, ferocity, protection, and the military.
• Lions: Strength, authority, bravery, and protection.
• Elephants: Longevity, wisdom, strength, good luck, and wealth.
• Horses: Speed, vitality, success, ambition, and travel.
• Cranes: Longevity, good fortune, beauty, and elegance.
• Phoenixes: Transformation, renewal, birth, and prosperity.
• Owls: Wisdom, intelligence, night vision, and foresight.
• Hawks: Sharp sight, determination, hunting, and success.
• Bats: Good luck, fortune, and harmony.

Plants and Trees

• Peach Tree: Longevity, prosperity, and protection against evil.
• Pine Tree: Strength, durability, and eternal youth.
• Willow Tree: Beauty, grace, and love.
• Bamboo: Flexibility, resilience, and longevity.
• Lotus Flower: Purity, enlightenment, and rebirth.
• Chrysanthemum: Nobility, longevity, and joy.
• Orchid: Love, beauty, and refinement.
• Peony: Wealth, honor, and good fortune.
• Pomegranate: Fertility, abundance, and prosperity.
• Tea Tree: Health, harmony, and peace.

Buildings and Objects

• Palaces: Power, authority, and wealth. Dreaming of a palace can suggest aspirations for grandeur or a desire to control one's life.
• Temples: Spirituality, introspection, and enlightenment. Temples in dreams signify a need for spiritual growth or a search for inner peace.
• Walls: Protection, boundaries, and limitations. Dreaming of walls can symbolize emotional barriers, obstacles in relationships, or feelings of isolation.
• Bridges: Transitions, connections, and overcoming obstacles. Bridges in dreams represent moving forward in life, bridging gaps, and overcoming challenges.
• Gates: Passages, new beginnings, and opportunities. Dreaming of gates can indicate entering a new phase of life, exploring new ventures, or facing a fork in the road.
• Towers: Elevation, ambition, and success. Towers in dreams symbolize reaching higher goals, aspirations, and achieving greatness.
• Furniture: Comfort, stability, and domestic life. Dreaming of furniture can represent a desire for security, stability, and a sense of belonging.
• Mirrors: Reflection, self-awareness, and vanity. Mirrors in dreams symbolize introspection, self-examination, and a need to confront one's inner self.
• Waterways: Flow, adaptability, and emotions. Dreaming of waterways, such as rivers or lakes, can represent life's journey, emotional fluidity, and the need to adapt to change.
• Mountains: Obstacles, challenges, and triumph. Mountains in dreams symbolize challenges that need to be overcome, obstacles to be surmounted, and a path to personal growth.

People and Relationships

• Emperor or Empress: Authority figures, power, leadership

• Parents: Guidance, support, emotional nurturing

• Spouse or Lover: Intimacy, passion, commitment

• Children: Hope, potential, the future

• Friends: Support, companionship, social connections

• Enemies: Inner conflicts, obstacles, opposition

• Strangers: Unfamiliar aspects of oneself or the world, new experiences

• Crowds: Conformity, mass opinion, social pressures

Natural Phenomena

• Clouds: Symbolizes thoughts, emotions, and spiritual aspirations.
• Rain: Purification, emotional release, and fertility.
• Thunder: Power, authority, and divine communication.
• Lightning: Transformation, sudden revelation, and divine wrath.
• Wind: Change, freedom, and inner transformation.
• Mountains: Obstacles, challenges, and spiritual heights.
• Rivers: Life's journey, obstacles, and emotions.
• Stars: Guidance, destiny, and spiritual knowledge.
• Moon: Intuition, femininity, and the hidden aspects of the self.
• Sun: Consciousness, vitality, and masculine energy.

Abstract Concepts

• Birth and Death: Represents change and transformation. Birth symbolizes new beginnings, while death signifies endings or transitions.

• Sun and Moon: The sun represents the masculine, conscious, and rational aspects of the self. The moon represents the feminine, intuitive, and subconscious aspects.

• Dragon: A powerful and auspicious symbol often associated with the emperor. It represents strength, wisdom, and protection.

• Phoenix: A mythical bird that symbolizes rebirth and renewal. It represents transformation, resilience, and hope.

• Tiger: A fierce and courageous animal that represents strength, bravery, and ferocity. It also symbolizes the yang (active) energy.

• Crane: A graceful and elegant bird that symbolizes longevity, harmony, and wisdom. It represents the yin (receptive) energy.

• Clouds: Represents the mind or emotions. Clear clouds indicate a clear mind, while cloudy ones signify confusion or uncertainty.

• Mountains: Represents obstacles or challenges that must be overcome. Climbing a mountain symbolizes overcoming adversity.

• Water: Represents emotions, intuition, and creativity. Still water indicates calmness, while turbulent water signifies emotional upheaval.

1. Dream of flying

In ancient China, dreaming of flying was interpreted as a positive symbol, often associated with good luck and fortune. It was believed that flying in dreams signified the dreamer's ability to rise above challenges and achieve success. It could also represent a sense of liberation, freedom, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Additionally, dreaming of flying could be a sign of spiritual growth and enlightenment, as it was seen as a metaphor for the soul's journey towards higher realms.

2. Dream about falling

Dreaming about falling is a common dream that can have a variety of meanings, depending on the context of the dream. In ancient China, dreams were thought to be messages from the gods or spirits, and they were often interpreted to provide guidance or warnings.

One common interpretation of a dream about falling is that it represents a fear of failure or loss. This dream may be a warning to be careful in your actions and to avoid taking unnecessary risks. It may also represent a feeling of insecurity or instability in your life.

Another interpretation of a dream about falling is that it represents a change in your life. This dream may be a sign that you are about to embark on a new chapter in your life, or that you are about to experience a major change in your circumstances. It may also represent a feeling of being out of control or overwhelmed by life's events.

If you dream about falling and you wake up feeling scared or anxious, it is important to take some time to reflect on the meaning of the dream. Consider what is going on in your life at the moment and what fears or concerns you may have. This dream may be a message from your subconscious mind to pay attention to these fears and to take steps to address them.

3. Dream of being chased

Dreaming of being chased signifies that you are feeling overwhelmed or pressured in your waking life. The person or thing chasing you may represent a specific stressor or challenge that you are facing. Alternatively, this dream may be a manifestation of your own fears and anxieties.

1. Ancient Chinese Philosophers

In the realm of ancient Chinese philosophy, dreams held profound significance, believed to provide glimpses into the inner workings of the mind and the mysteries of the cosmos. Philosophers saw dreams as a mirror reflecting the subconscious, revealing hidden thoughts, desires, and fears.

Confucius, the revered sage, emphasized the importance of interpreting dreams to gain insights into one's moral character. He believed that dreams could foretell events, guide decision-making, and even reveal the nature of the divine.

Daoist philosophers, such as Laozi and Zhuangzi, saw dreams as a bridge between the conscious and unconscious, a gateway to the mystical realm. They believed that dreams offered a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all things and the cyclical nature of existence.

By delving into the symbolism of their dreams, ancient Chinese philosophers sought to unlock wisdom, unravel the complexities of human nature, and connect with the profound mysteries of the universe.

2. Chinese Scholars and Literati

During the ancient Chinese dynasties, scholars and literati held a profound fascination with dreams, viewing them as a window into the unconscious mind and a realm where the divine communicated with mortals.

Dreams were meticulously recorded in personal diaries and shared among peers, forming a collective body of knowledge that guided interpretation.

For these scholars, dreams were not mere fleeting illusions but a source of wisdom, inspiration, and divination. They believed that dreams could reveal hidden truths, foretell future events, and provide insights into one's own character and destiny.

Literati also saw dreams as a means of self-cultivation, a way to explore their inner worlds and cultivate their moral and intellectual virtues.

Dreaming of mountains, for instance, symbolized ambition and lofty aspirations. Water represented wisdom and adaptability, while fire embodied passion and creativity. Animals could symbolize various qualities, such as the cunning of a fox or the loyalty of a dog.

Through the careful analysis of dream symbols, Chinese scholars and literati sought to decipher the hidden messages and guidance that the subconscious mind offered them. This practice reinforced their belief in the interconnectedness of the physical and spiritual realms and deepened their understanding of the human condition.

3. Imperial Court and Nobility

For the exalted elite of ancient China, dreams held profound significance, providing guidance and omens about their destiny and the future of the empire.

• Celestial Beings: Dreams of deities, dragons, and phoenixes symbolized divine favor and the emperor's mandate to rule. Such dreams heralded important events or decisions that would shape the realm.

• Mountains: Towering peaks represented the emperor himself, his majesty and power. Dreams of ascending mountains signified advancement in rank or the acquisition of great wealth.

• Rivers: Flowing water symbolized the continuity of imperial power and the prosperity of the empire. Dreams of crossing rivers foretold challenges or transitions.

• Animals: Specific animals carried symbolic meanings. White horses represented triumph and victory, while black horses symbolized defeat or misfortune. Jade rabbits were associated with the moon and the empress, while phoenixes signified the emperor and his celestial connection.

• Rituals and Ceremonies: Dreams of performing official duties or attending court ceremonies revealed the dreamer's place in the imperial hierarchy and their alignment with the emperor's will.

These dream symbols provided a window into the inner workings of the imperial court and the aspirations of its members. By interpreting their dreams, the elite could gain insight into their own roles and the fate of the empire.