In the biblical tradition, the son is a profound symbol of lineage, inheritance, and covenant. Sons are depicted as blessings from God (Psalm 127:3–5), embodying the continuation of faith, family, and divine promise. Key narratives, such as Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22), highlight themes of obedience, sacrifice, and trust in God's plan. The parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32) further enriches this symbolism, representing forgiveness, redemption, and unconditional love. Dreaming of a son may therefore reflect concerns about spiritual legacy, the transmission of faith, or anxieties regarding one's responsibilities as a parent or child of God.

In Buddhist symbolism, the son may represent attachment, lineage, and the cycle of samsara (birth and rebirth). Dreaming of a son can highlight the dreamer's clinging to familial roles or desires, which are seen as sources of suffering. Yet, the son can also symbolize compassion and the transmission of wisdom, as in the story of the Buddha's son, Rahula. The dream may invite reflection on the impermanence of relationships and the importance of non-attachment, while still honoring loving-kindness and responsibility.

Culturally, the son is often seen as the bearer of the family name, honor, and future aspirations. Across many societies, sons are associated with expectations of success, protection, and the continuation of family values. Dreaming of a son can reflect societal pressures, personal hopes, or fears about generational change. The specific meaning varies with cultural context, but generally, the son embodies the dreamer's relationship with tradition, identity, and evolving family roles.

In Hindu tradition, the son symbolizes dharma (duty), continuity of lineage, and the fulfillment of ancestral rites (shraddha). Dreaming of a son may indicate concerns about one's duties, karma, or the desire for prosperity and spiritual merit through progeny. The son is also associated with the transmission of knowledge and the perpetuation of family traditions. Such dreams may prompt reflection on responsibilities, righteous action, and the cycles of birth and rebirth.

In Islamic dream interpretation, the son is a sign of joy, hope, and the continuity of one's lineage. According to Ibn Sirin and other classical scholars, seeing one's son in a dream can indicate future happiness, support, or the fulfillment of prayers. Sons are viewed as a trust from Allah and a means of ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah) if they are righteous. Conversely, dreaming of a son in distress may reflect the dreamer's anxieties about their child's faith or well-being, or serve as a warning to pay closer attention to their upbringing. The dream may also symbolize the dreamer's own spiritual state, as children often mirror their parents' actions and intentions.

Psychologically, the son in dreams often embodies the dreamer's inner child, ambitions, or unresolved familial dynamics. In Jungian analysis, the son is an archetype representing potential, growth, and the next stage of individuation. Dreaming of one's son may reflect desires, fears, or projections regarding personal development or legacy. Scenarios involving the son—such as losing him or witnessing his success—often mirror anxieties about control, protection, or pride in one's own achievements and failures.

Spiritually, the son represents renewal, continuity, and the unfolding of the soul's journey. The son may symbolize creative potential, the birth of new ideas, or spiritual growth. In mystical traditions, the son is a metaphor for the divine child within—the aspect of the self seeking union with the higher self or the divine. Such dreams may signal a call to nurture one's spiritual path, heal generational wounds, or embrace innocence and transformative potential.