DREAM · SITUATIONS
Dream of Performing a New Year's Bow: What It Means
In Korean dream lore, performing sebae (the deep New Year's bow to elders on Seollal, the Lunar New Year) is considered a lucky dream that brings help and blessings from those above you.
At a glance
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- Lucky dream
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- sebae, New Year's greeting, deep bow, Seollal
Traditional reading
In Korean dream lore, performing sebae (the deep New Year's bow to elders on Seollal, the Lunar New Year) is considered a lucky dream that brings help and blessings from those above you. If the elder smiled and offered words of blessing, the year's affairs were said to go smoothly.
Through the heart
Ahead of a fresh start, you want to collect yourself with proper respect. It may also mean you're looking for someone reliable to lean on.
Scene by scene
- An elder offering you words of blessing
- Someone will appear to advise you, and things will ease.
- Falling over while bowing
- A small warning not to let haste make you skip the proper forms.
- No one accepting your bow
- A sign of hurt that your wish to be recognized isn't being met.
Lucky or unlucky?
Lucky dream Read as a dream announcing good things
Traditional readings lean toward this being a lucky dream, a sign of something coming in: good news, money or a welcome connection. If the mood of the dream was heavy or frightening, though, pay attention to that feeling first. Treat a lucky dream less as "fortune will arrive on its own" and more as "things go well if you move".
Of the 12 dreams in this family: Lucky dream 7 · Depends on the scene 2 · Check in with yourself 3
Similar dreams and how they differ
Dreams that share the same subject. Find the scene closest to yours.
- Dream of Neolttwigi Seesaw JumpingDepends on the scene
Leaping high on the neol (a traditional seesaw that two people jump on standing up) was read as your status rising and your view widening. But since one side must go down for the other to rise, it also meant keep the give-and-take balanced.
This dream reflects weighing whether give-and-take in a relationship is fair. There's also an urge to climb higher.
- Jumping so high you see over the wall · You'll glimpse a new world and expand your opportunities.
- Falling off the board · Be careful not to lose balance by getting ahead of yourself.
- Being perfectly in rhythm with your partner · A lucky dream: you're in perfect sync with a collaborator.
Today's advice · Readjust the division of roles with the people you work with.
- Dream of performing the traditional bow to in-lawsLucky dream
Performing deep bows to elders at the paebaek, the traditional ceremony greeting the groom's family, is interpreted as receiving recognition and support from superiors. If the elders were pleased, you'll settle well into a new group.
A wish to be accepted by a new family with proper courtesy was expressed as a deep bow.
- Dream of an elder giving you warm New Year's blessingsLucky dream
An elder holding your hand and offering words of blessing was treasured because those words are often said to come true. If you clearly remember what was said, put your energy in that direction.
Your wish for recognition and encouragement was heard as words of blessing.
- Dream of an elder refusing your New Year's bowCheck in with yourself
An elder turning away as you try to bow was read as unresolved resentment lingering in the relationship. If they accepted your bow in the end, a chance to reconcile will soon come.
Hurt at the thought of not being accepted is reflected in the dream.
- Dream of being unable to rise after a New Year's bowCheck in with yourself
Your body feeling too heavy to rise after a deep bow means the expectations or duties of elders feel overwhelming. If someone helped you up, you have a dependable helper beside you.
It holds a fatigue as if your obligations are weighing you down.
- Dream of bowing deeply at your parents' sixtieth-birthday tableLucky dream
Bowing deeply to your parents is a lucky dream of celebrations coming to the family in return for your devotion. If they smiled brightly, they'll stay healthy for a long time.
Your wish to thank your parents appeared as a bow.
- Dream of giving a year-end bow to elders on New Year's EveLucky dream
Bowing to elders as the year ends means you've tied up the past well and are ready to receive the new year's blessings. If an elder said you'd worked hard, your efforts will be recognized.
Your wish to close out the year well appeared as a greeting.
- Dream of rice cake soup with no rice cake in itCheck in with yourself
Being served rice cake soup that's only broth was read as something with the right appearance but no substance. Since the rice cake is what marks a year of age, it was also seen as a sign you aren't quite ready yet.
It holds the emptiness of feeling stuck in place even as the year changes.
- Dream of having a second bowl of rice cake soupDepends on the scene
Eating a second bowl of rice cake soup was read as gaining two years' worth of experience in one. If you enjoyed it, it's a chance to grow; if you forced it down, responsibilities may suddenly pile up.
It mixes the pressure and hope of having to grow up quickly.
- Dream of bowing for the New Year and receiving generous New Year's money from an elderLucky dream
Bowing and receiving a fat envelope is a lucky dream of being recognized by superiors and financial help or opportunities coming in. If there were several envelopes, income will come from many places.
It's a wish to be cared for and blessed by someone.
- Dream of soaring high on a seesaw jump boardLucky dream
Bouncing off the board and soaring over the wall was seen as a lucky dream of your status or circumstances rising a level. Just as women of old peeked at the outside world while seesaw-jumping, you'll get a glimpse of a new world.
Your wish to see beyond a stifling fence was expressed as soaring.
What to do the day you have this dream
Today's advice · Open the new year's energy with one phone call to an elder you're grateful to.
- Write the dream down in three lines this morning. Lucky dreams are fun to look back on once you have a record.
- Make one call or application you have been putting off. Good momentum sticks when you move.
- Old custom says not to spread a lucky dream around. For fun, share it with just one person you trust.
- In one line, compare the dream situation with what you are going through lately.
- Write it down in your dream diary · See by date whether the same dream comes back
Matching tarot card
At Luna Alley this dream is read alongside the The Hierophant card. Proven methods and a trustworthy advisor will help. Look for answers through learning and community.
Draw a card for this dream
Frequently asked questions
Is “Dream of Performing a New Year's Bow” a good or a bad sign?
Lucky dream. In Korean dream lore, performing sebae (the deep New Year's bow to elders on Seollal, the Lunar New Year) is considered a lucky dream that brings help and blessings from those above you. If the elder smiled and offered words of blessing, the year's affairs were said to go smoothly.
What should I do after this dream (Dream of Performing a New Year's Bow)?
Open the new year's energy with one phone call to an elder you're grateful to. Write the dream down in three lines this morning. Lucky dreams are fun to look back on once you have a record.
What does it mean: An elder offering you words of blessing?
Someone will appear to advise you, and things will ease.
Can I trust dream interpretation?
Dream interpretation here gathers traditional folk readings and common psychological views, for fun and reflection. A dream does not decide your future, so read it lightly as a prompt to look inward. If the same dream keeps returning and disturbs your sleep, it is worth talking to a professional.