Briefly
The hand is a potent symbol in different fields of human consciousness. It is associated with the concepts of action, authority, power, and control. A hand often symbolizes creation, benevolence, and protection. It is also commonly viewed as a symbol of guidance, support, and unity. These meanings are derived from the hand’s role in human communication, culture, and social interaction.
- Symbolism: action, authority, power, control, creation, benevolence, protection, guidance, support, unity
Hand in Dreams
From a psychological perspective, hands in dreams can reflect your relationships and how you connect with the world. Hands serve as a form of communication and can represent authority, control, or restraint. Additionally, dreaming about hands might suggest the dreamer needs to reach out or extend help to someone. It can also signify feelings of powerlessness, indicating that one is being controlled or manipulated. Also, hands can symbolize the human touch, need for connection, or a way of expressing and receiving affection.
- Symbolism: relationships, communication, authority, control, restraint, help, powerlessness, human touch, connection, affection
See also our Free Dream Interpretation Tool
Hand in Myths and Folklore
In folklore and mythology worldwide, the hand carries notable significance. In ancient Egyptian mythology, for example, the god Anubis is often depicted with his right arm raised in a protective gesture. In Greek mythology, the hand of Zeus was considered the source of both blessings and punishment. In Nordic folklore, the god Tyr lost his hand to the mythical Fenrir wolf, symbolizing sacrifice and heroism. In many tales and legends, the hand is seen as a powerful emblem of good luck, protection, and authority.
Another common theme in folklore is the "evil eye" – a malevolent gaze that brings bad luck. To counter this, many cultures feature hand-shaped amulets, like the Hamsa, believed to ward off evil and attract good fortune.
- Symbolism: protection, authority, blessings, punishment, sacrifice, heroism, good luck, warding off evil, attracting good fortune
Hand Spiritual Meanings
In spiritual contexts, the hand often symbolizes a higher power’s presence and guidance. It’s seen as a conduit for divine or spiritual intervention, symbolizing healing, blessing, and spiritual growth. In Buddhism, specific hand gestures called mudras are used in meditation and iconography to evoke particular states of mind. In Christianity, hands raised to the sky during worship signify surrender, adoration, and a desire for divine connection.
- Symbolism: divine presence, guidance, healing, blessing, spiritual growth, meditation, surrender, adoration, divine connection
Hand Tattoo Meaning
In tattoo art, the hand symbol represents an individual’s ability to manipulate, control, and interact with their surroundings. It can symbolize personal power, strength, and ability to create or destroy. Additionally, a hand tattoo can be a symbol of protection, guidance, or even a sign of faith. The Hamsa hand, for example, is a popular tattoo design that symbolizes luck, prosperity, and protection from evil.
- Symbolism: personal power, strength, creation, destruction, protection, guidance, faith, luck, prosperity.
Reviewed by Alexander Lys, M.L., a specialist in the field of symbolism research and dream psychology. A certified participant in numerous psychological seminars and courses, the author of hundreds of articles on psychology, including studies on symbolism in dreams and myths from a scientific perspective.
