Sunday, October 13, 2002		Dream Theme

Dreaming of gifts
Vinaya Katoch Manhas

THE symbol of gifts in dreams can manifest itself in many ways, such as dreaming of receiving or giving gifts, happiness or sorrow at receiving gifts, beautiful or abhorrent or scary gifts. Sometimes the gift received may mark an occasion. One could also dream of receiving a gift without any rhyme or reason. One could dream of receiving a gift from a stranger or a friend. One could even dream of finding a gift at one's doorstep, on one’s bed or on one's office table.

As per Indian thought, to see yourself receiving a gift in your dreams is an indication of something good happening in the future. You can expect good luck to favour you. If you are unmarried, then you can be sure that an early marriage is on the cards. If you see yourself giving gifts to someone, then you are warned to be on your guard. You shall have to battle ill-health. Should the gift give you happiness, then it is a good omen, but should it produce tension, horror or upset you then the opposite is true.

As per western thought, receiving gifts from someone denotes that you shall receive payments when they are due to you. It also means that you shall be extremely fortunate in financial matters or in matters of the heart. To send a gift signifies that displeasure shall be shown towards you, and ill luck shall dog your footsteps. If a young woman dreams that her lover sends her gifts, then it means that she will marry well.

Psychologically speaking, dreams of gifts denote the wisdom we gain from past experience. This appear as gifts in our dreams. Receiving a gift can also denote an acceptance and recognition of our talents and abilities. Depending on the circumstances, such dreams are an acknowledgement of what we receive from others. It could point towards some creative talents in us of which we are not yet aware.

A 22-year-old woman repeatedly dreamt for two months of receiving a gift from some unknown person. A man would just come and give her the gift. She could never see his face. When she opened the box, there would be nothing in it. It would cause a lot of disappointment to her. The reason for the dream lay in the totally idle existence that she, after having finished her studies, was leading. After she completed her postgraduation she had big dreams of having a career, but did not succeed in getting a good job. Her parents refused to let her pursue any job which they felt was below their status. The emptiness of the box denotes her disappointments in her real life.