Briefly
A chair is a universal symbol of status, power, and authority. It is a throne for kings, a seat of honor for guests, and a place of comfort for the weary. No matter whether it’s a grand armchair or a humble stool, its symbolism is deeply rooted in human society. Used in ceremonies, rituals, or everyday life, the chair carries a profound meaning, mirroring our social hierarchy, personal ambitions, and even spiritual aspirations.
- Symbolism: status, power, authority, honor, comfort, social hierarchy, personal ambition, spiritual aspiration
Chair in Dreams
From a psychological standpoint, dreaming about chairs can suggest feelings of stability and security. It can reflect your desire to sit back and observe or indicate that you are in a position of control or authority. An empty chair might suggest loneliness or the absence of someone important. A broken chair could symbolize a loss of power or a shift in your personal or professional life.
- Symbolism: stability, security, observation, control, authority, loneliness, loss of power, life shift
(See also our Free Dream Interpretation Tool)
Chair in Myths and Folklore
In various folklore and myths, the chair often holds a special place. In Irish mythology, the Chair of Catatonia was a magical seat that could reveal a person’s true nature. In Greek mythology, the chair was a symbol of divine authority, with the gods seated on golden thrones. Similarly, in Norse legends, Odin’s high seat Hliðskjálf represented his supreme power and wisdom.
The chair also played a vital role in fairy tales. It represented a place of privilege and distinction, like the throne of a king or queen, or a special chair for a distinguished guest. It was also seen as a symbol of transformation, like Cinderella’s pumpkin turning into a carriage.
- Symbolism: revelation of true nature, divine authority, supreme power, wisdom, privilege, distinction, transformation
Chair Spiritual Meanings
In spirituality, the chair carries a multitude of symbolic meanings. It can represent meditation, discipline, and introspection, particularly in Zen Buddhism where the meditation chair is an essential tool for spiritual practice. Additionally, in Christianity, the bishop’s chair or ‘cathedra’ is a symbol of ecclesiastical authority. The chair signifies stability and groundedness in spiritual pursuits.
- Symbolism: meditation, discipline, introspection, ecclesiastical authority, stability, groundedness
Chair Tattoo Meaning
In tattoo artistry, a chair is often depicted as a symbol of comfort, stability, and tranquility. It can represent a home or safe place, symbolizing a sense of belonging or security. On a deeper level, a chair tattoo can also signify authority and power, echoing the symbolism of a throne. It may convey the wearer’s personal journey, struggles, or achievements.
- Symbolism: comfort, stability, tranquility, home, safety, authority, power, personal journey, struggle, achievement
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.
