Briefly
The apple is a symbol packed with varied meanings across different cultures. It can signify knowledge, immortality, temptation, and sin, famously exemplified by the biblical story of Adam and Eve. In other contexts, apples represent fertility and abundance, as they are fruits that grow in abundance and can be harvested annually. They are also associated with health and vitality, encapsulated in the adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
Apple in Dreams
In dreams, an apple might symbolize desires, temptations, or the pursuit of knowledge depending on the context. Psychologically, it can represent choices and the consequences that come with decision-making. Eating an apple in a dream may indicate seeking wisdom or experiences, while a rotten apple could symbolize neglected opportunities or disappointment. The apple can also be a symbol of wholeness and the self, akin to other round objects.
Apple in Myths and Folklore
Apples appear in many myths, legends, and fairy tales, often imbued with magical properties or significance. Norse mythology presents apples as granting eternal youth to the gods. In Greek mythology, the golden apple is a symbol of desire and discord, leading to the Trojan War. Fairy tales frequently use apples as transformative objects, sometimes poisoned, to propel the plot and test the virtue of characters. In legend, they can be objects of quest or symbols of reward, representing the fruit of one’s labors or the attainment of knowledge.
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.
