While cotton itself is not named in the Bible, its qualities—softness, whiteness, and usefulness—evoke scriptural themes of purity, righteousness, and divine provision. White garments, often referenced in Revelation (7:14), symbolize spiritual cleansing and redemption. The act of harvesting cotton can be likened to the biblical principle of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7), suggesting that one's actions yield corresponding outcomes. Cotton's gentle texture may metaphorically represent God's comforting presence (Isaiah 66:13), while the labor of picking cotton echoes the post-Edenic toil humanity faces (Genesis 3:17-19), reminding the dreamer of both hardship and hope.

In Buddhist symbolism, the whiteness and softness of cotton represent purity of mind and the cultivation of metta (loving-kindness). The process of picking or spinning cotton can be seen as a metaphor for the mindful effort required to maintain compassion and clarity. Cotton's impermanence—its tendency to unravel or disperse—serves as a reminder of the transient nature of material comfort and the importance of non-attachment. Thus, cotton in dreams may encourage the dreamer to practice loving-kindness while recognizing the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures.

Culturally, cotton is deeply intertwined with themes of agriculture, industry, and social history. In many societies, cotton evokes memories of community, hard labor, and, at times, exploitation—particularly in the context of colonialism and slavery. At the same time, cotton's softness and ubiquity in daily life connect it to comfort, care, and domesticity. Thus, cotton in dreams can symbolize both the hardships of labor and the nurturing comforts of home, reflecting the dual nature of its historical and personal significance.

In Hindu tradition, cotton holds ritual significance, symbolizing purity, simplicity, and sattva (goodness). It is used in sacred ceremonies and offerings, representing a desire for spiritual clarity and a return to essential truths. Dreaming of cotton may indicate a longing for simplicity or a purification of the self. If the cotton is unraveling, it could signify the dissolution of maya (illusion) and the revelation of one's true nature, pointing toward spiritual awakening.

In Islamic dream interpretation, cotton—especially when white—signifies purity, lawful sustenance, and honest earnings. Classical scholars like Ibn Sirin associate white clothing with piety and sincerity. Cotton, being a halal product, may indicate that the dreamer is earning or seeking lawful provision. The act of picking cotton can also symbolize perseverance through hardship, aligning with Quranic teachings on patience and steadfastness (Al-Baqarah 2:153). Thus, cotton in dreams may reflect a state of spiritual cleanliness, lawful livelihood, and the virtue of enduring life's tests with integrity.

From a psychological perspective, cotton in dreams often embodies the need for comfort, security, and emotional softness. Its gentle texture may reflect a longing for nurturing or self-care, while tangled or unraveling cotton can signal vulnerability or anxiety about one's emotional boundaries. The act of working with cotton—such as picking or spinning it—might mirror the dreamer's feelings about their own productivity, self-worth, or experiences of exploitation, particularly if the labor is arduous or unending. Thus, cotton becomes a symbol of both comfort and the complexities of personal labor and care.

Spiritually, cotton is a symbol of gentleness, purity, and the interconnectedness of all life. Its transformation from seed to soft fiber mirrors the soul's journey from innocence to maturity. Cotton's use in clothing and bedding connects it to themes of spiritual protection and nurturing. Dreaming of cotton may invite the dreamer to embrace compassion, softness, and the protective aspects of spiritual growth, suggesting a need to cultivate inner gentleness and shelter for oneself and others.