The Element Encyclopedia
by Theresa Cheung
Flowers, lilies, figs and ripening fruits all have female sexual symbolism. The red rose is a traditional symbol of romantic love and passion, suggesting to Freudians the female sexual organs. A rose with thorns in a man’s dream suggests an ambivalent attitude towards female sexuality. Velvet is a soft and sensual fabric, and is associated with pubic hair by Freudians. Other dream analysts link velvet and moss in dreams with a desire for comfort and peace.
Purses, according to Freud, are symbols of female genitalia or the womb; when the purse opens, this suggests sexual availability and when it is snapped shut, this suggests withholding.
