The Secret Language of Dreams: What Google Searches Say About You

What do our dreams say about us and how do we seek their meaning? An extensive study of Google search queries in seven languages, from 2009 to 2019, sheds new light on the dreams that preoccupy millions worldwide. By analyzing questions like “What does it mean to dream about...?” researchers uncovered both universal dream themes and unique cultural patterns, revealing the complex ways we explore the symbolism of our sleeping minds.

Universal Dream Themes: Snakes, Falling, and Teeth

Certain dream symbols emerge repeatedly across languages. Among the most frequently searched are dreams about snakes and falling or broken teeth, powerful images found consistently in Arabic, English, Spanish, French, Japanese, Portuguese, and Russian search data. These archetypal symbols hint at shared human anxieties and cultural touchstones that transcend borders.

Unique Dreams Across Cultures

Alongside universal themes, the research uncovered fascinating language-specific dream subjects. For example:

These unique motifs reflect how local environments, traditions, and folklore shape the dreamscapes we explore.

Peaks and Trends

Some dreams spike in popularity at certain times. In 2016, Arabic searches for dreams about traveling surged, hinting at changing social moods. And real-world events also shape our dreams: volcano dreams peaked in 2010 during Iceland’s eruption, and tsunami dreams rose sharply in 2011 after Japan’s disaster.

Dream Categories

Researchers grouped dreams into 12 categories, including Animals and Insects, Family and Relationships, Emotions, Food, and the Supernatural. Animals dominate English, Spanish, and Portuguese searches, while Japanese users focus more on Emotions and Russians on Food.

Connecting Dreams

Certain dream subjects link multiple languages, like snakes and falling teeth. Unique links also appear, such as crying connecting Arabic with English and Portuguese, and toads linking Portuguese and Spanish dreamers.

Explore Your Own Dreams

Want to see how your dreams fit into this global picture? Check out the Dream Explorer tool to discover what people dream about by language, year, and category.

Dreams show us what’s personal and what unites us across cultures and time. They’re a window into the shared human experience.