The Meanings of Paint Cans in Dreams

People often have strange and disturbing dreams, and can spend an inordinate amount of time wondering what they mean. It can be frustrating to have a recurring dream or nightmare (which often indicates important activity in the subconcious) and not be able to understand it. Although not a common dream scenario, paint cans can symbolize many different things. The most important of these symbols can be deconstructed by determining what, if any, personal associations you have with them.

Full Paint Cans

• Full paint cans, unopened or recently opened, often symbolize potential unfulfilled. If you are starting a new job, getting married or having a baby, the can may represent your hopes and dreams for the future. If you had a goal that you abandoned, and keep seeing a full can of paint in your dreams, it may symbolize your desire to continue pursuing that goal.

Empty Paint Cans

• Empty paint cans, on the other hand, may mean discarded aspirations and dashed hopes. They can also mean you feel you're "running on empty," without any inspiration to keep you going. They can symbolize that your life lacks color, joy and meaning.

New Paint Cans

• New paint cans can indicate excitement about starting a project or diverging onto a new path. They can mean you have a great deal of energy and resources available to pursue a goal, and that your hopes for success are high. They can symbolize the start of a different lifestyle, such as embracing healthy eating habits, a loving relationship or artistic abilities put to good use.

Old Paint Cans

• Old paint cans symbolize regret, disappointment and outdated thinking. They can mean you are ready to move on from a situation that has proved futile. If the paint is dried out and useless, it can mean you must let go of habits that no longer serve you.

Personal Associations

• The most important thing to remember when interpreting dreams of paint cans is to determine what specific associations they have for you. For instance, if you are someone who paints houses for a living or a professional artist, paint cans are likely to mean something different than if a banker or accountant dreamed of them.

Feelings and Emotions

• Finally, the feelings and emotions that arise with dreams of paint cans can also provide helpful clues about the dream's meaning. If you feel excited upon viewing paint cans, this can indicate readiness to accept new challenges. If you feel nervous, on the other hand, it can indicate you have reservations regarding those same challenges.