Briefly
A square or plaza is a potent symbol that carries significant meanings in both cultural and psychological contexts. It’s often viewed as a representation of stability, order, and balance due to its equilateral dimensions. The four sides of a square are sometimes associated with the four cardinal points, the four seasons, or the four elements, providing a sense of completeness and totality. In an urban environment, a plaza or square often serves as a meeting point, a place for social interaction and communal activities, thus symbolizing community, unity, and public life.
Square (Plaza) in Dreams
From a psychological perspective, dreaming of a square or plaza may imply the need for stability and balance in one’s waking life. Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, viewed the square as a symbol of rigidity or perhaps a desire for order and rationality. On the other hand, Carl Jung interpreted squares in dreams as a sign of the psyche striving for wholeness and integration. If the dreamer is in a bustling square or plaza, it might suggest a desire for more social interaction, or reflect the individual’s relationship with the community.
Square (Plaza) in Myths and Folklore
In various myths, folktales, and legends, squares and plazas often play a prominent role as a backdrop where important events take place, signifying the public and communal aspect of human life. In ancient Roman mythology, the Forum was the central square of Rome where public affairs were conducted. In Chinese folklore, the earth is often represented as a square, contrasting with the round sky, signifying order and stability. Similarly, in Native American lore, the four corners of a square are often associated with the four cardinal directions, representing balance and harmony within the universe.
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.
