Briefly

Gold, due to its enduring, non-tarnishing properties and its rarity, has come to symbolize several concepts such as wealth, power, and status. Its color is associated with the sun and thereby signifies the divine, truth, wisdom, and even immortality. It is also utilized in various fields like economics, religion, and arts not just for its metallic properties but also for its symbolic weight.

  • Symbolism: Wealth, Power, Status, Divinity, Truth, Wisdom, Immortality

Gold in Dreams

From a psychological perspective, dreaming of gold can be interpreted as the dreamer seeking fulfillment in their life. It represents the aspiration for material wealth or spiritual richness. Dreaming of finding gold may suggest the discovery of hidden aspects of oneself or recognition of untapped potential. On the other hand, losing gold in a dream may signify a fear of losing something valuable in life.

  • Symbolism: Fulfillment, Aspiration, Discovery, Potential, Fear of Loss

See also our Free Dream Interpretation Tool

Gold in Myths and Folklore

Gold has a prominent place in myths and fairy tales. It is often portrayed as a reward for the hero’s bravery or wisdom. For instance, in the Greek myth of Jason and the Golden Fleece, the fleece made of gold symbolizes authority and kingship. Similarly, in the Irish folklore, leprechauns hide their pots of gold at the end of the rainbow, signifying elusive wealth and luck. Moreover, gold is often associated with magical powers, like in the tale of Rumpelstiltskin, where straw is spun into gold, symbolizing transformation and creation.

In many Asian folktales, golden objects often possess magical properties. Gold animals, like the golden carp in Chinese mythology, are seen as sacred and symbolize prosperity, success, and perseverance. These stories often highlight the pursuit of gold as the pursuit of higher ideals or enlightenment.

  • Symbolism: Reward, Authority, Kingship, Elusive Wealth, Luck, Magic, Transformation, Creation, Prosperity, Success, Perseverance, Enlightenment

Gold Spiritual Meanings

In a spiritual context, gold represents divine protection, enlightenment, and transcendence. It is considered a high vibration color that invokes the power of the Sun, symbolizing the spiritual aspect of "All That Is". In Christianity, it is associated with the presence of God, divine wisdom, and glory. In Buddhism, gold is considered the color of the highest state of enlightenment, where one is freed from material desires.

  • Symbolism: Divine Protection, Enlightenment, Transcendence, Presence of God, Divine Wisdom, Glory, Freedom from Material Desires

Gold Tattoo Meaning

A gold tattoo often symbolizes personal transformation, spiritual growth or the quest for wealth and power. It can also stand for the sun, representing life, energy, and creativity. Some people get gold ink tattoos as a symbol of their struggle and triumph over difficult times, interpreting the process of turning base metal into gold (alchemy) as their journey of overcoming obstacles.

  • Symbolism: Personal Transformation, Spiritual Growth, Quest for Wealth and Power, Life, Energy, Creativity, Overcoming Obstacles
Alexander Lys

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.

Symbolopedia

Encyclopedia of Symbols

About the Author

Symbolopedia is a comprehensive guide to the meanings of symbols. Our content is crafted by professionals in psychology and symbolism, striving to maintain a balance between scientifically proven data and insights derived from myths, legends, and folklore. While our approach leans towards scientific interpretations of symbols, we acknowledge the significant role of the subconscious in their understanding, allowing for a blend of rationality and creativity.

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