Briefly
The mouth can symbolize a variety of things, most significantly communication and expression. It also often represents input and output, consumption and expulsion, reflecting the physical function of the mouth. The mouth is also seen as a symbol of sensual pleasure, and in some psychological theories, it represents the maternal figure or feminine energy owing to the nurturing role played by the mouth in early infancy.
- Symbolism: Communication, expression, input/output, consumption, expulsion, sensual pleasure, maternal figure, feminine energy.
Mouth in Dreams
From a psychoanalytic perspective, dreaming of a mouth can be tied to Freud’s oral stage of psychosexual development, suggesting unmet needs or desires from early childhood. A dream involving a mouth might also reflect anxieties around communication or self-expression. A large or wide-open mouth could symbolize a feeling of vulnerability or fear of gossip. Teeth falling out from the mouth, a common dream, often points to insecurities and fear of loss.
- Dream symbolism: Unmet needs, communication anxiety, self-expression, vulnerability, gossip, insecurities, fear of loss.
See also our Free Dream Interpretation Tool.
Mouth in Myths and Folklore
In Greek mythology, the mouth, particularly the act of speaking, holds significant symbolism. For instance, the Oracle of Delphi used her mouth to deliver prophecies, signifying divine communication. In Japanese folklore, the ‘Futakuchi-onna’ or ‘two-mouthed woman’ has a second mouth on the back of her head, which speaks the thoughts she keeps hidden, alluding to the duality of public and private personas.
The myth of the Hindu goddess Kali often depicts her with a gaping mouth and protruding tongue, symbolizing her insatiable hunger for destruction and change. Similarly, in Celtic folklore, the ‘Mouth of Hell’ is described as a monstrous beast with a large mouth, symbolizing the gateway to the underworld or the unknown.
- Mythology symbolism: Divine communication, duality of public and private personas, destruction, change, gateway to the unknown.
Mouth Spiritual Meanings
In the spiritual realm, the mouth typically symbolizes communication and the expression of thoughts and emotions, especially those related to the truth. It is often regarded as a connection between the inner and outer world. In Christianity, the mouth is often referred to in relation to speaking truth and righteousness, while in Buddhism, Right Speech—one of the steps in the Eightfold Path— emphasizes the importance of the mouth in promoting truth, harmony, and positivity.
- Spiritual symbolism: Truth expression, communication, inner-outer world connection, righteousness, harmony, positivity.
Mouth Tattoo Meaning
Using the mouth as a tattoo motif often symbolizes one’s determination to speak their truth or express themselves freely. It can also signify an open personality and an ability to communicate effectively. A mouth with a specific gesture, like a smile, can symbolize happiness and joy. Mouths depicted with lips sealed or zipped can symbolize a secret or mystery, or a refusal to engage in gossip or slander.
- Tattoo symbolism: Self-expression, open personality, effective communication, happiness, joy, secret, mystery, refusal to gossip.
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.
