Briefly
A parapet, typically, is a protective barrier at the edge of a balcony, roof, bridge, or other structure. Symbolically, a parapet represents safety, protection, and boundary. It acts as the boundary between the known and the unknown, between safety and danger, between private and public. Parapets also denote a sense of containment and control. They not only provide physical protection but also act as psychological barriers, safeguarding our thoughts, emotions, and actions from external influences.
Parapet in Dreams
Dreaming of a parapet can have significant implications from a psychological standpoint. According to dream interpretation theories, a parapet in dreams may symbolize a need for protection and security. It could indicate a fear of vulnerability or a need to shield oneself from potential harm or danger. Alternatively, a parapet in a dream could symbolize a barrier one has built around them, preventing them from connecting with others or expressing their feelings freely. It might suggest a feeling of isolation or a fear of opening up to others.
Parapet in Myths and Folklore
Parapets, although not common, do find their way into myths and folklore. In many stories, they act as a symbolic barrier that the hero must overcome or bypass to achieve their goal. Parapets are often the scene of significant events or confrontations in many legends and fairy tales, emphasizing their function as a boundary or barrier. For instance, in the Japanese folklore, ‘The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter’, the moon princess Kaguya sets her suitors tasks to bring her items from behind ‘the parapet of the moon’, symbolizing the barrier between earthly and heavenly realms.
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.