In China, dreams mean different things today compared to before.
When our societies were tribal, it was thought that dreams were instructions from the gods or even evil spirits seeking to do harm.
In ancient China, people believed that every dream revealed something about a person’s health, their mental or physical state, or what was to come. Based on ancient texts, beliefs and traditions, Chinese dream theory delivers very different dream meanings from those of the Western psychologists and theorists.
Traditional Chinese Medicine also plays a part, having its own particular dream theory. That comes down to Yin and Yang, the “Qi”; their imbalance is believed to be the cause of dreams.
Then once upon a time, all of these basic Chinese dream theories were compiled into one volume; “The Duke of Zhou’s Dream Interpretations” (周公解梦).
The book is credited to Ji Dan, who was Duke Wen of Zhou while he reigned the early Zhou Dynasty (1046–221 BCE). Regarded as the First Sage of the nation, the world-renown “Book of Changes” (known to many as “I Ching”) is also accredited to the Duke of Zhou.
But before investigating all his theories as to the meaning of our dreams, we need go back to the beginning.
Ji was born as the fourth son of King Wen of Zhou and Queen Tai Si. Worryingly, his eldest brother, Bo Yikao, was supposedly eaten by other people, a victim of cannibalism. In adult life, as a member of the royal family during the early Zhou dynasty, the Duke was heavily involved in solidifying the kingdom which his elder brother, the King Wu, had brought about.
One of the pioneers of Confucianism, the Duke of Zhou was also known as an educator, philosopher, strategist and an outstanding statesman.
Bringing us to his ideas about dreams. Some of the Duke’s dream interpretations are fascinating. For example, dogs. According to the theory, if you dream about a pet dog then it symbolises your fragility or helplessness. Or if it was a tamed watchdog then that was a sign for your desire and need for protection, safety and loyalty. However, if you dream about being attacked by a dog then it represents a trauma or source of anxiety that is plaguing you and leeching on you.
Another one that I personally like is dreaming about tests or exams. Would you believe that people who have finally finished with all the exams they may ever have to do, can still dream about it years later? According to the Duke’s theory, if a person dreams about tests then it signifies that there is some cause of anxiety or tension in their real world, professionally or personally. It can tell you that you are unprepared, perhaps facing a situation for which you are not ready.
Yes, dreams are interpreted differently in China. And different today from before. They didn’t dream of flying on a plane in ancient China, because they could… just fly.
