Briefly
The mother symbol, across the globe, is universally recognized as one of nurture, protection, and unconditional love. The symbolism of a mother represents fertility, life, guidance, sustenance, and sacrifice. As the figure that brings life into the world, the mother is often associated with the Earth, the primeval source of all life. She embodies the concept of creation, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
- Symbolism: nurture, protection, unconditional love, fertility, life, guidance, sustenance, sacrifice, creation, cycle of life
Mother in Dreams
From a psychological perspective, dreaming of a mother often signifies a desire for nurturing, guidance, and protection. It may also reflect aspects of oneself, such as the nurturing side or the need for care and affection. If the mother in the dream is a comforting presence, it could represent personal growth and emotional healing. Conversely, a troubled or absent mother in a dream may signal unresolved conflicts or feelings of abandonment.
- Symbolism: nurturing, guidance, protection, self-reflection, personal growth, emotional healing, conflict, abandonment
See also our Free Dream Interpretation Tool
mother in Myths and Folklore
In ancient Greek mythology, mothers were seen as the embodiment of creation and often represented as Earth deities, such as Gaia, the mother of all gods. In Chinese mythology, the goddess Nuwa is the mother creator who sculpted humans from clay. The Arthurian legend also highlights the role of the mother in the form of the Lady of the Lake, who nurtured the future King Arthur and guided him throughout his journey.
In Native American folklore, the Corn Mother is a figure of abundance and nourishment, symbolizing the earth’s fertility. Similarly, in African mythology, the goddess Ala is the Earth mother figure known for her moral and judicial authority, symbolizing social harmony and order.
- Symbolism: creation, Earth, fertility, guidance, abundance, nourishment, authority, social order
Mother Spiritual Meanings
Spiritually, the mother figure is seen as a source of life and love, often associated with Earth, nature, and fertility. She represents the inherent strength, wisdom, and nurturing spirit that guides and protects. In many spiritual practices, the mother is seen as a divine figure, embodying compassion and forgiveness, much like the Mother Earth nurturing all life.
- Symbolism: life, love, Earth, nature, fertility, strength, wisdom, nurturing, compassion, forgiveness
Mother Tattoo Meaning
A mother tattoo symbolizes one’s deep and enduring love for their mother, embodying gratitude for her sacrifices, strength, and unconditional love. It’s a tribute to the bond between a mother and child, representing the formative influence a mother has on her children. Some might opt for a mother tattoo to commemorate a mother who has passed on, serving as a enduring reminder of her love and presence.
- Symbolism: love, gratitude, sacrifice, strength, bond, influence, remembrance
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.
