In the Bible, bats are listed among the unclean animals in Leviticus 11:19 and Deuteronomy 14:18, forbidden for consumption. Their association with darkness and night often symbolizes spiritual impurity, blindness, or the presence of hidden sin. In dreams, a bat may serve as a warning against spiritual danger or the influence of unclean forces. Yet, as creatures adept at navigating darkness, bats can also represent God's ability to guide believers through spiritual uncertainty, encouraging trust in divine providence even when the way forward is obscure.

Though bats are not prominent in Buddhist symbolism, they can be interpreted as beings thriving in darkness, representing ignorance (avidya) or the delusions that hinder enlightenment. However, their ability to navigate without sight can also symbolize the cultivation of inner wisdom and mindfulness, moving beyond superficial appearances. Dreaming of bats may prompt recognition and dispelling of ignorance, or trusting the inner light of awareness during confusing times.

Culturally, bats carry diverse meanings: in Western folklore, they are often associated with darkness, witchcraft, or bad omens, while in Chinese culture, bats (蝠, fú) are auspicious symbols of good fortune and happiness due to the phonetic similarity to the word for 'blessing.' In Native American traditions, bats can symbolize intuition, rebirth, and the importance of facing fears. The cultural background of the dreamer shapes whether the bat is seen as an omen of misfortune, a sign of luck, or a guide through transformation.

In Hindu tradition, bats are sometimes associated with spirits, omens, or the realm of ancestors (pitrs). Their nocturnal habits link them to the unseen, the subconscious, and the cycle of death and rebirth (samsara). Dreaming of bats may suggest ancestral messages, the need to honor unseen influences, or the approach of transformation. Bats also remind the dreamer to look beyond surface reality and trust in the cyclical nature of existence.

While bats are not directly mentioned in the Qur'an or Hadith, classical Islamic dream interpreters such as Ibn Sirin suggest that bats can symbolize a pious, secluded individual or serve as a warning of hidden dangers and unseen threats, possibly including gossip or the presence of jinn. Their nocturnal nature may indicate the need for vigilance against secret enemies, or alternatively, their skill in darkness may point to spiritual insight and divine protection. The specific meaning depends on the bat's behavior and the dream context, ranging from caution to encouragement for spiritual retreat and reflection.

From a psychological perspective, bats represent aspects of the unconscious, particularly repressed fears, anxieties, or instincts—what Jung termed the 'shadow.' Their erratic flight and nocturnal habits mirror the unpredictable, hidden nature of subconscious material. Dreaming of bats often signals the emergence of unresolved issues, inviting the dreamer to confront inner darkness and undergo transformation by integrating these shadow elements into conscious awareness.

Spiritually, bats are often seen as symbols of rebirth, transition, and the ability to navigate the unknown. Many traditions regard the bat as a guide through darkness, representing the soul's journey through uncertainty and transformation. Encountering a bat in a dream may indicate a need to trust intuition, embrace change, and surrender to the growth that comes from facing the unknown.