Understanding Dreams of Marriage and Parenthood

Dreams of marriage and parenthood hold profound significance in our lives, often reflecting our inner desires, fears, and societal influences. These types of dreams can serve as windows into our soul, illuminating aspects of our identity and aspirations. For many, the thought of marriage epitomizes commitment, love, and connection with another person.

Similarly, parenthood dreams can evoke feelings of nurturing, growth, and the responsibilities associated with raising a family. Whether you are experiencing dreams of walking down the aisle, or of being a nurturing parent, each dream carries its unique message that allows you to reflect on your emotional state. Through the lens of Ibni Sirin’s interpretations, we can derive insights that help unravel the complexities behind these significant life themes.

Let us explore the meanings, symbolisms, and psychological contexts that accompany such dreams as we embark on this enlightening journey.

• Dreams of marriage often symbolize unity, commitment, and transitions in life.
• Parenthood dreams can reflect nurturing desires and fears of responsibility.
• Both types of dreams offer insights into one’s emotional state and societal roles.
• Cultural influences shape how we perceive marriage and parenthood in dreams.
• These dreams can guide personal reflection and relationship evaluation.

Symbols

• parenthood
  • Childbearing:

    (Childbearing; Planting) In a dream, a pregnancy indicates woman’s success, diligence and assiduity in pursuing her goals. In a dream, pregnancy also means receiving recognition, respect and prosperity. If a man sees himself pregnant in a dream, it means that he suffers from heaviness in his life, or it could represent one’s fear of exposing his problems in public.

    In general, pregnancy in a dream represents material gains. If a woman sees herself pregnant in a dream, it means difficulties and adversities beside some troubling secrets she maybe hiding. However, for a learned man, pregnancy in a dream may represent increase in his knowledge, while for a craftsman, it means achieving unrivalled excellence in his trade.

    Pregnancy in a dream also means being madly in love, or having passionate attachment to someone, or planting seeds in the wrong place, or beingbisexual or a deviate, or suffering from dropsy, or perhaps it could mean that a thief will enter his house to steal something, or to hide a stollen object, or that one may steal something and hide it from its true owner, or that he may get sick from eating spoiled food, or it could mean that he may bury a dear person, or that he is affected and a liar, or he may hide his 340 IBN SEERIN’S real beliefs and show a better standing in public, or it may represent an accident or a fire. As for a woman, her pregnancy in a dream means losing her virginity before marriage, or that she will marry an unsuitable person. If a barren woman sees her self pregnant in a dream, it means a bad harvest for that year, or it could mean a robbery in her neighborhood.

    If an unmarried woman or a young virgin sees herself pregnant in a dream, it means that she will find a compatible husband. Pregnancy in a dream has many meanings. In a dream, woman’s pregnancy means wealth, and man’s pregnancy means pain and sorrow.

    However, generally speaking, pregnancy in a dream also could mean prosperity and material success. The extent of wealth is measured by the number of months of such pregnancy and the size of one’s growth in the dream. This is true whether it is a man or a woman in the dream.

    If a young boy who is under the age of puberty sees himself pregnant in a dream, it represents his father, and if a young girl who is under the age of menstruation sees herself pregnant, then it represents her mother. If a man sees his wife pregnant in a dream, it reflects his desire for material success. If one sees his pregnant wife delivering a baby boy in a dream, it means that she will give birth to a girl and the opposite maybe true, except if it is common for the person in the dream to experience in wakefulness what he sees in his dream.

    If one sees himself delivering a baby from his mouth in a dream, it means his death, or it could mean that he will use poised and pleasant words in a conversation with someone he is careful not to offend. If a man gives birth to a baby boy in a dream, it means that he will carry a heavy burden then escape from it, or it could mean that he will vanquish his enemy, or it could mean that he may escape from a treacherous woman. If a pregnant woman sees herself delivering a child in a dream though having not had sexual intercourse with her husband, it means that she will discover a hidden treasure.

    A pregnant animal in a dream denotes benefits or profits.

  • Giving birth:

    (Giving birth) Seeing one’s wife giving birth to a son in a dream when in fact she is not pregnant means wealth. If a pregnant woman sees herself giving birth to a girl in a dream, it means a boy, and if she gives birth to a boy in the dream, it means a girl. Giving birth to a girl means relief from distress, while giving birth to a boy in the dream means distress and worries.

    If a sick DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 81 person sees his mother giving birth to him in a dream, it means the approach of his death, for a deceased person is wrapped in a shroud, while a newborn is wrapped with a receiving cloth. If the person in question is poor, it means that his financial conditions will change for the better, but if he is rich, it means restriction of his earnings, for a child is dependent on others while his move¬ ments are restricted. If a traveler sees his wife giving birth to a new child in a dream, it means obstruction of his travels and changes in his plans.

    If a woman gives birth to a child from her mouth in a dream, it means her death. If a man gives birth to a son in a dream it means illness, escape from danger or separation from a bad wife. If a man gives birth to a daughter in a dream, it means relief from distress, happiness or the birth of a child from his posterity who will grow to become a renowned leader.

    If a woman gives birth to a cat in a dream, it means that her child will grow to be a thief. Childbirth in a dream means relief from hardships, recovering from illness or departure from one’s home or neighbor¬ hood. Childbirth in a dream also means comfort, relaxation, payment of one’s debts and repentance from sin.

    If a woman gives birth to a son in a dream, it denotes the conclusion of her sufferings, glad tidings, payment of her debts or repentance from sin. If she gives birth to a daughter in the dream, then it means honor, prosperity and ease. If a poor man gives birth to a child in a dream, it means prosperity.

    If he is rich, then it means distress. If he is unmarried, it means a forthcoming marriage, so that his future wife will give the birth he saw in his dream. In general, if a man sees himself giving birth in a dream, it means his death or the death of a relative, or it could mean experiencing poverty.

    As for a needy person, it means relief or an escape. As for a merchant, giving birth in a dream means loss of his investment.

  • Gems of the eyes:

    (Children)

• marriage
  • Golden cage:

    (Cage; Digging a grave; Duel; Golden cage; Pearl; Sanctuary; Silver cage) Marriage in a dream represents the providence of God Almighty and care for His servants. Marriage in a dream also means imprisonment, indebtedness, DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 267 sorrow, distress, depression, carrying a liability, or endeavoring to achieve a high ranking position. If one marries a known woman in his dream, it means that he will endeavor to satisfy the normal responsibilities of a husband.

    If one marries an unknown woman, and if he could not see her in his dream, it denotes the nearing of his death, or it could mean moving from an old house into a new one. If a sick woman sees herself getting married to a man she does not recognize or know his name in a dream, it means that she may die from her illness. If the man who sees himself getting married in the dream qualifies, it means that he will attain a high ranking job or a suitable position.

    If one’s wedding ceremony is made with witnesses only in the dream, it means that he has made a covenant with God Almighty. If he performs a traditional wedding ceremony with its celebrations and festivities in the dream, it means a new job, or it could mean acquiring fame, or becoming renowned for one’s good reputation or character. Marriage in a dream is also interpreted in association with a trade.

    If one marries a woman who dies shortly after her wedding in the dream, it means that he will perform a job that earns him nothing but hard labor, toiling and stress. If one marries an adulteress in a dream, it means that he is an adulterer. If one marries a vicious, aggressive or a dominating wife in a dream, it means that his movements will be hampered with various restrictions.

    If one marries a deceased woman in a dream, it means that he will revive a profitable project he had earlier abandoned. If a man offers his mother in marriage to one of his friends in a dream, it means that he will sell his house. If a pregnant woman sees herself getting married in a dream, it means that she will give birth to a girl.

    If she sees herself in her wedding night in a dream, it means that she will beget a son. If a mother who has a son sees herself getting married in a dream, it means that she will marry off her son. In general, the marriage of a married woman, or of an unwed woman in a dream means benefits.

    If a woman marries a deceased man in a dream, it means that she will become lost and impoverished. If a married man sees himself getting married to a second woman in a dream, it means profits. To marry the daughter of a known man of knowledge in a dream means prosperity.

    If a sick woman marries a man of knowledge in her dream, it means recovering from her illness. If a man sees himself marrying a living relative who is in a degree of consanguinity that precludes such a marriage in a dream, it means that he will sever his ties with such a relative, or with her family. Otherwise, if that relative is already dead, it means that he will contact her immediate relatives and establish a friendly relationship with them.

  • Silver cage:

    (Cage; Digging a grave; Duel; Golden cage; Pearl; Sanctuary; Silver cage) Marriage in a dream represents the providence of God Almighty and care for His servants. Marriage in a dream also means imprisonment, indebtedness, DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 267 sorrow, distress, depression, carrying a liability, or endeavoring to achieve a high ranking position. If one marries a known woman in his dream, it means that he will endeavor to satisfy the normal responsibilities of a husband.

    If one marries an unknown woman, and if he could not see her in his dream, it denotes the nearing of his death, or it could mean moving from an old house into a new one. If a sick woman sees herself getting married to a man she does not recognize or know his name in a dream, it means that she may die from her illness. If the man who sees himself getting married in the dream qualifies, it means that he will attain a high ranking job or a suitable position.

    If one’s wedding ceremony is made with witnesses only in the dream, it means that he has made a covenant with God Almighty. If he performs a traditional wedding ceremony with its celebrations and festivities in the dream, it means a new job, or it could mean acquiring fame, or becoming renowned for one’s good reputation or character. Marriage in a dream is also interpreted in association with a trade.

    If one marries a woman who dies shortly after her wedding in the dream, it means that he will perform a job that earns him nothing but hard labor, toiling and stress. If one marries an adulteress in a dream, it means that he is an adulterer. If one marries a vicious, aggressive or a dominating wife in a dream, it means that his movements will be hampered with various restrictions.

    If one marries a deceased woman in a dream, it means that he will revive a profitable project he had earlier abandoned. If a man offers his mother in marriage to one of his friends in a dream, it means that he will sell his house. If a pregnant woman sees herself getting married in a dream, it means that she will give birth to a girl.

    If she sees herself in her wedding night in a dream, it means that she will beget a son. If a mother who has a son sees herself getting married in a dream, it means that she will marry off her son. In general, the marriage of a married woman, or of an unwed woman in a dream means benefits.

    If a woman marries a deceased man in a dream, it means that she will become lost and impoverished. If a married man sees himself getting married to a second woman in a dream, it means profits. To marry the daughter of a known man of knowledge in a dream means prosperity.

    If a sick woman marries a man of knowledge in her dream, it means recovering from her illness. If a man sees himself marrying a living relative who is in a degree of consanguinity that precludes such a marriage in a dream, it means that he will sever his ties with such a relative, or with her family. Otherwise, if that relative is already dead, it means that he will contact her immediate relatives and establish a friendly relationship with them.

  • Engagement:

    (Betrothal; Marriage. See Book)

• guardianship
  • Custodian:
  • Trustee:
  • Testator:

    DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 433

• union
  • Hard work:

    (Hard work; Toil) Hard labor in a dream means comfort in wakefulness. If a businessman or a rich person sees himself working as a laborer in a dream it represents conceit and a sham, or that he is deceiving people to control their money, or defrauding them of their assets. If one sees himself laboring in a dream, it means thriftiness, discretion, or virtuous along with satisfaction and ease in one’s life.

    Laboring in a dream also means a misfortune or one’s peril.

  • Toil:

    (Hard work; Toil) Hard labor in a dream means comfort in wakefulness. If a businessman or a rich person sees himself working as a laborer in a dream it represents conceit and a sham, or that he is deceiving people to control their money, or defrauding them of their assets. If one sees himself laboring in a dream, it means thriftiness, discretion, or virtuous along with satisfaction and ease in one’s life.

    Laboring in a dream also means a misfortune or one’s peril.

  • Sham:

    (Hard work; Toil) Hard labor in a dream means comfort in wakefulness. If a businessman or a rich person sees himself working as a laborer in a dream it represents conceit and a sham, or that he is deceiving people to control their money, or defrauding them of their assets. If one sees himself laboring in a dream, it means thriftiness, discretion, or virtuous along with satisfaction and ease in one’s life.

    Laboring in a dream also means a misfortune or one’s peril.

• section1
• section2
• parenting
  • Maintenance:

    (Alimony; Maintenance) To provide support for one’s family and relatives in a dream mean prosperity, protection for one’s children and concern for one’s posterity. Whatever expenses one spends to support his family in a dream will be money he will receive in wakefulness. If one finds himself unwillingly giving family support or alimony to his wife in a dream, it means hypocrisy, or that he is nearing his death.

    152 IBN SEERIN’S

  • Alimony:

    (Alimony; Maintenance) To provide support for one’s family and relatives in a dream mean prosperity, protection for one’s children and concern for one’s posterity. Whatever expenses one spends to support his family in a dream will be money he will receive in wakefulness. If one finds himself unwillingly giving family support or alimony to his wife in a dream, it means hypocrisy, or that he is nearing his death.

    152 IBN SEERIN’S

  • Little boy:

    (Little boy) In a dream, a child carried in one’s arms means responsibility, distress and difficulties. A teenage child represents glad tidings or dispelling one’s worries. If one sees a beautiful looking teenage child entering a town or descending from the skies or appearing from beneath the ground in a dream, it means that the glad tidings will take effect shortly.

    Seeing a mature child in a dream means power and superiority. If one sees himself as a child learning in school in a dream, it means that he will repent of a common sin he is used to commit. If one sees one of the renowned people of knowledge sitting in a kindergarten and learning along with other children in a dream, it means that he will shift to ignorance, lose his rank, or that financial changes will affect his living conditions.

    If one sees himself receiving instructions like a child in a dream, it means that he will receive an inheritance from his mother. If one sees himself as a newborn child in a dream, it means that he will become wealthy and prosper. If a young boy sees himself in a dream as a child, it has a negative meaning.

    If a sick person sees himself as a child in a dream, it means his death. If one sees himself as a child being reprimanded in a dream, it means that he will be conquered. In a dream, if one looks in a mirror and sees his face to be that of a child, and if his wife is pregnant, it means that she will beget a son who will look like his father.

    Carrying a baby child in a dream means distress and burdens. A child in a dream represents a weak enemy who sometime shows friendliness and at other times demonstrates his enmity. If one sees that his wife has just delivered children who are playing around him in a dream, it means distress or misfortune and the consequences could be either good or bad.

    Carrying a child in a dream means managing an inheritance or a financial investment. If an elderly person sees himself roaming as a little child in a dream, it means that he will commit an act of ignorance or lose his dignity, ideals or sense of honor. On the other hand, if such an elderly person who sees himself in a dream as a little child is suffering from depression or financial difficulties or health problems, then it means relief from distress and good health and that he will become free from his sins, like the day his mother gave birth to him.

    If one sees that he has a little child who disdains from coming near his father in the dream, it means financial promotion and enjoyment of one’s life. If one sees a little child screaming in his lap in a dream, it means that he plays a string instrument. Children in a dream also could mean either sorrow and pain or happiness and joy.

    If they are one’s own children in the dream, then they mean temptation with money. Children in a dream also could mean contentment with little or loss of one’s means to earn his livelihood or they could mean money or marriage or a flourishing business. Bereavement of a child in a dream means the opposite in real life.

    It also means rejoicing, reunions, pleasures and earning respect. Bereavement of a child in a dream is sometimes interpreted to portray an intention of one’s children or wife to separate from the family. A little male child in a dream represents worries, responsibilities, hard work, catering to ignorant people or dealing with trivial and time wasting people.

    If a prisoner sees himself carrying a little girl in his dream, it means that he will be released from his prison. If one who is going through hard times sees himself holding a little girl in a dream, it means that his adversities will be lifted. If he is poor, it means that he will thrive for success and the little girl then represents his glad tidings.

• section3
• matrimony
  • Golden cage:

    (Cage; Digging a grave; Duel; Golden cage; Pearl; Sanctuary; Silver cage) Marriage in a dream represents the providence of God Almighty and care for His servants. Marriage in a dream also means imprisonment, indebtedness, DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 267 sorrow, distress, depression, carrying a liability, or endeavoring to achieve a high ranking position. If one marries a known woman in his dream, it means that he will endeavor to satisfy the normal responsibilities of a husband.

    If one marries an unknown woman, and if he could not see her in his dream, it denotes the nearing of his death, or it could mean moving from an old house into a new one. If a sick woman sees herself getting married to a man she does not recognize or know his name in a dream, it means that she may die from her illness. If the man who sees himself getting married in the dream qualifies, it means that he will attain a high ranking job or a suitable position.

    If one’s wedding ceremony is made with witnesses only in the dream, it means that he has made a covenant with God Almighty. If he performs a traditional wedding ceremony with its celebrations and festivities in the dream, it means a new job, or it could mean acquiring fame, or becoming renowned for one’s good reputation or character. Marriage in a dream is also interpreted in association with a trade.

    If one marries a woman who dies shortly after her wedding in the dream, it means that he will perform a job that earns him nothing but hard labor, toiling and stress. If one marries an adulteress in a dream, it means that he is an adulterer. If one marries a vicious, aggressive or a dominating wife in a dream, it means that his movements will be hampered with various restrictions.

    If one marries a deceased woman in a dream, it means that he will revive a profitable project he had earlier abandoned. If a man offers his mother in marriage to one of his friends in a dream, it means that he will sell his house. If a pregnant woman sees herself getting married in a dream, it means that she will give birth to a girl.

    If she sees herself in her wedding night in a dream, it means that she will beget a son. If a mother who has a son sees herself getting married in a dream, it means that she will marry off her son. In general, the marriage of a married woman, or of an unwed woman in a dream means benefits.

    If a woman marries a deceased man in a dream, it means that she will become lost and impoverished. If a married man sees himself getting married to a second woman in a dream, it means profits. To marry the daughter of a known man of knowledge in a dream means prosperity.

    If a sick woman marries a man of knowledge in her dream, it means recovering from her illness. If a man sees himself marrying a living relative who is in a degree of consanguinity that precludes such a marriage in a dream, it means that he will sever his ties with such a relative, or with her family. Otherwise, if that relative is already dead, it means that he will contact her immediate relatives and establish a friendly relationship with them.

  • Silver cage:

    (Cage; Digging a grave; Duel; Golden cage; Pearl; Sanctuary; Silver cage) Marriage in a dream represents the providence of God Almighty and care for His servants. Marriage in a dream also means imprisonment, indebtedness, DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 267 sorrow, distress, depression, carrying a liability, or endeavoring to achieve a high ranking position. If one marries a known woman in his dream, it means that he will endeavor to satisfy the normal responsibilities of a husband.

    If one marries an unknown woman, and if he could not see her in his dream, it denotes the nearing of his death, or it could mean moving from an old house into a new one. If a sick woman sees herself getting married to a man she does not recognize or know his name in a dream, it means that she may die from her illness. If the man who sees himself getting married in the dream qualifies, it means that he will attain a high ranking job or a suitable position.

    If one’s wedding ceremony is made with witnesses only in the dream, it means that he has made a covenant with God Almighty. If he performs a traditional wedding ceremony with its celebrations and festivities in the dream, it means a new job, or it could mean acquiring fame, or becoming renowned for one’s good reputation or character. Marriage in a dream is also interpreted in association with a trade.

    If one marries a woman who dies shortly after her wedding in the dream, it means that he will perform a job that earns him nothing but hard labor, toiling and stress. If one marries an adulteress in a dream, it means that he is an adulterer. If one marries a vicious, aggressive or a dominating wife in a dream, it means that his movements will be hampered with various restrictions.

    If one marries a deceased woman in a dream, it means that he will revive a profitable project he had earlier abandoned. If a man offers his mother in marriage to one of his friends in a dream, it means that he will sell his house. If a pregnant woman sees herself getting married in a dream, it means that she will give birth to a girl.

    If she sees herself in her wedding night in a dream, it means that she will beget a son. If a mother who has a son sees herself getting married in a dream, it means that she will marry off her son. In general, the marriage of a married woman, or of an unwed woman in a dream means benefits.

    If a woman marries a deceased man in a dream, it means that she will become lost and impoverished. If a married man sees himself getting married to a second woman in a dream, it means profits. To marry the daughter of a known man of knowledge in a dream means prosperity.

    If a sick woman marries a man of knowledge in her dream, it means recovering from her illness. If a man sees himself marrying a living relative who is in a degree of consanguinity that precludes such a marriage in a dream, it means that he will sever his ties with such a relative, or with her family. Otherwise, if that relative is already dead, it means that he will contact her immediate relatives and establish a friendly relationship with them.

  • Matrimony:

Practical Reflections on Your Dreams

• Journal Your Dreams

  Maintain a dream journal to record your dreams as soon as you wake up. This practice not only sharpens your memory of the dream but provides a valuable resource for reflection. Over time, you will notice recurring themes and symbols that may give you more profound insights about your living situation or personal relationships, paving the way for self-improvement.

• Explore Your Feelings

  Reflect on your feelings during the dream. Consider what elements made you feel joy, fear, or anxiety. Sometimes, our subconscious will reveal feelings about our waking lives during these dreams.

  Engage in mindful meditation to explore these emotions further, allowing yourself to confront any fears or aspirations concerning love and family.

• Discuss with Trusted Friends or Family

  Share your dreams with close friends or family members whom you trust. Outside perspectives can provide new insights and help you understand trends in your emotional state and relationships. Others may see things differently and offer supportive advice or interpretations that can provide clarity.

• Seek Professional Guidance

  If dreams about marriage or parenthood leave you feeling troubled or confused, consider consulting a therapist or a counselor. Professionals can provide deeper insights based on psychological theories and personal development methodologies. They can guide you through your feelings, helping you reach greater understanding and acceptance of your emotions.

• Embrace the Messages

  Accept the messages from your dreams rather than rejecting them as mere fantasies. Treat them as opportunities for growth and self-awareness. By embracing these dreams, you open doors to new understandings about relationships and your role within your family or community, fostering deeper connections with loved ones.

FAQs

• What does it mean to dream about marriage while being single?

  Dreaming about marriage can often reflect a desire for commitment, companionship, or a deep longing for connection, even if you are currently single. It may symbolize your subconscious thoughts about entering a new phase in life or a desire to explore intimate relationships.

• Are dreams about parenthood common?

  Yes, such dreams are relatively common, especially among those who have strong familial feelings or responsibilities. They often signify inherent nurturing desires, aspirations for family, or anxieties surrounding the responsibilities of parenthood.

• What if I dream of my partner marrying someone else?

  Dreaming of your partner marrying another person might awaken insecurities about your relationship or fears of abandonment. It is essential to reflect on your feelings during such dreams and communicate any concerns with your partner for reassurance.

• How can cultural beliefs influence dreams about marriage?

  Cultural beliefs significantly influence our understanding of marriage and relationships and can manifest in our dreams. For example, societal pressures or familial expectations can shape how one perceives their role in marriage, leading to specific themes appearing in dreams associated with commitment and family.

• Can I control my dreams about marriage and parenthood?

  While it can be challenging to control dreams, practice techniques such as lucid dreaming, where the dreamer is aware they are dreaming and can influence narratives within their dreams. This practice requires consistent effort, such as visualization or affirmations before sleep.

References

• Ibni Sirin's Dream Interpretation Library
• Modern Psychology Perspectives on Dreams