Briefly
Paper, as a symbol, typically represents knowledge, learning, communication, and documentation. It denotes the power and importance of written words and the wisdom they carry. It also subtly hints at the fragility, as paper is easily torn, signifying how knowledge and communication can easily be misunderstood or destroyed.
- Symbolism: knowledge, learning, communication, documentation, fragility
Paper in Dreams
From a psychological perspective, dreaming about paper often signifies a need to express oneself, or the desire to document one’s thoughts or ideas. It could also represent feelings of responsibility, particularly if the paper in the dream is filled with writing or figures. Blank paper in dreams could mean the dreamer feels they have a fresh start or a clean slate in some aspect of their life.
- Symbolism: self-expression, documentation of ideas, responsibility, fresh start
See also our Free Dream Interpretation Tool
Paper in Myths and Folklore
In Chinese folklore, joss paper, also known as ghost money, is burned in traditional ceremonies to ensure that spirit ancestors have abundant wealth and happiness in the afterlife. This demonstrates the power of paper as a symbolic medium of exchange between the physical and spiritual realms. In Japanese mythology, paper plays a crucial role in Shinto rituals, where it’s used to make ‘Shide,’ zigzag-shaped paper streamers symbolizing purity and sacredness.
Meanwhile, in Western folklore, paper is often associated with spells and magic. For example, witches in European folklore would write spells and curses on pieces of paper to cast them.
- Symbolism: spiritual medium, wealth in afterlife (Chinese), purity, sacredness (Japanese), magic & spells (European)
Paper Spiritual Meanings
In a spiritual context, paper can symbolize a medium for manifesting thoughts and intentions. It is often used in various spiritual practices to write down intentions or wishes, with the belief that writing them down on paper gives them power and makes them more likely to come to fruition. Similarly, it can symbolize the idea of ‘letting go’; writing down negative thoughts or fears on paper and then burning or destroying the paper as a symbolic act of release.
- Symbolism: manifestation of thoughts, power of intention, letting go
Paper Tattoo Meaning
A paper tattoo often symbolizes love for literature, writing, or knowledge. It can be a tribute to the written word and its power. For some, a paper tattoo might also symbolize fragility and transience, reflecting the fleeting nature of life, much like how paper is delicate and can easily fall apart. It may also represent a fresh start or a new chapter, akin to a blank page waiting to be written upon.
- Symbolism: love for literature, power of the written word, fragility, transience, fresh start
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.
