A thimble is a protective shield worn on the finger or thumb. For centuries, people have used thimbles as sewing tools to prevent needle pricks to their fingers. As a symbol, a thimble can represent protection, creativity, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. In some cultures, it may also symbolize the importance of patience and perseverance in handiwork.
The earliest thimble was Roman and found at Pompeii. Made of bronze, it has been dated to the first century AD. A Roman thimble was also found at Verulamium, present-day St Albans, in the UK and can be seen in the museum there. Thimbles are usually made from metal, leather, rubber, wood, glass or china. Early thimbles were sometimes made from bone, horn or ivory.
Originally, thimbles were used solely for pushing a needle through fabric or leather as it was being sewn. However, they have since gained many other uses. In the 1800s, they were used to measure spirits (hence the phrase “just a thimbleful”). Women of the Night used them in the practice of thimble-knocking, where they would tap on a window to announce their presence. Thimble-knocking also refers to the practice of Victorian schoolmistresses who would tap on the heads of unruly pupils with dames thimbles.
Spiritual Meaning of A Thimble
Before the 18th century, the small dimples on the outside of a thimble were made by hand punching but in the middle of that century, a machine was invented to do the job. If you find a thimble with an irregular pattern of dimples, it was probably made before the 1850s. Another consequence of the mechanisation of thimble production is that the shape and thickness of the metal changed. Early thimbles tend to be quite thick and to have a pronounced dome on the top. The metal on later ones is thinner and the top is flatter.
Collecting thimbles became popular in the UK when many companies made special thimbles to commemorate the Great Exhibition held in the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, London.
In the 19th century, many thimbles were made from silver. This metal is soft, making a steel needle easily pierce it. Charles Horner solved the problem by using a steel core covered inside and out with silver. The result was still as pretty as a traditional silver thimble but more practical and durable. He called his thimble the Dorcas and these are now popular with collectors.
During the First World War, silver thimbles were collected from “those who had nothing to give” by the British government and melted down to buy hospital equipment. In the 1930s and 1940s, red-topped thimbles were used for advertising. Leaving a sandalwood thimble in a fabric store helps keep moths away. Thimbles have also been used as love tokens and to commemorate important events. A miniature thimble is one of the tokens in the game of Monopoly.
People who collect thimbles are known as digitabulists.
The English Patient makes profound use of the thimble from both literal and symbolic perspectives.
Spiritual Meaning of A Thimble In A Dream
To dream of a classic thimble
If you see a classic thimble in a dream, it symbolizes anger. There is a chance that you are not on good terms for a long time with someone you care about, but the pride doesn’t let you get over what is creating a chasm between you. You often think about that person, even though you don’t show it when you are in the same room as them or when you talk.
To dream about a silver thimble
If you see a silver thimble in a dream, it symbolizes a happy relationship or marriage. You have found your soulmate, and every day you spend together is an incredible experience that enriches you. You see your relationship as an uncut diamond that needs work to show itself in its full glory.
To dream of taking a thimble off
When you dream of taking a thimble off, it means that you will unnecessarily expose yourself to danger. You probably won’t listen to pieces of advice regarding your safety at work, traffic, or similar situations, which is why you will jeopardize your or someone else’s life. You will be richer for one more experience after that, which can spare you many worries if you decide to acquire it.
To dream of having difficulties taking a thimble off
If you dream of struggling to take a thimble off, it means that you will let someone manipulate you in real life. You will believe everything that person tells you and put not only yourself but also the people around you in danger. If you start paying attention now, you will probably notice who is trying to get closer to you or persuade you into something. Don’t let yourself suffer because of your gullibility.
To dream of other people taking a thimble off
A dream where you see someone else taking a thimble off means that you will try to warn a loved one in vain not to get involved in risky business deals. They will not listen to you since it will seem like their way is the only way to get out of trouble. You will try to point out the negative consequences of such actions, but that will not have a desired effect on your loved one.
To dream of buying a thimble
Buying a thimble in a dream means that you will research all the possible obstacles that could be on your way to achieving success before you start putting your ideas into action. You will want to minimize the risks and stop things from getting complicated. However, you can’t predict everything, and you will have to deal with some problems on the go. You ought not to let that discourage you or stop you from actualizing the plan you have set.
To dream of selling thimbles
Selling thimbles in a dream means that you have been doing something that doesn’t bring you either moral or financial satisfaction for too long. You are probably not satisfied with your job, but you are afraid of changing it. However, you didn’t even try to find something else because you strongly believed that you would not get lucky. There is a chance that many things in your life will change for the better when you finally stop self-sabotaging.
To dream about losing a thimble
Losing a thimble in a dream means that one event will throw you off the tracks completely. You will not be able to cope with it, even though you will want to react as soon as possible. The worst you can do is do something stupid impulsively. You ought to wait for the dust to settle or ask your loved one for advice or suggestions. Otherwise, your actions could do you more harm than good.
To dream of finding a thimble
Finding a thimble in a dream means that you could soon get a favorable business offer. We are talking about something you fantasized about a few years ago, but it didn’t happen. It will probably not be so easy to accept or reject it now if you are satisfied with what you do at the moment. You are in a win-win situation, even though it doesn’t seem like it.
To dream of receiving a thimble as a gift
If you dream of someone bestowing a thimble on you, it means that you will finally find time to dedicate your attention to studying something that has always interested you. You might take a course, or you will learn how everything works alone. You might even turn a hobby you have been doing for a long time into a good source of income. Your sense of business will finally come through.
To dream of bestowing a thimble to someone
Bestowing a thimble to someone in a dream means that you will pass a portion of your obligations on other people. You are probably overwhelmed with work, and you will ask a colleague to give you a hand to finish everything on time. Another possibility is that you will share house chores with a partner or other family members.
To dream of stealing a thimble
Stealing a thimble in a dream means that you will embarrass yourself in front of a large group of people. You will have a chance to talk about something you don’t know much about. In your intent to be an equal interlocutor in that debate, you will say something that will make others mock you. Only later will you realize that you should have kept your mouth shut.
To dream of someone stealing your thimble
When you dream of someone stealing your thimble, it symbolizes minor expenses. You might attend a wedding, christening, or birthday party and have to buy a gift. Another possibility is that your car or one of the house appliances will break down, and you will have to pay for the repair. Anyhow, these expenses will not be too hard on you because you organize your budget well.
To dream about throwing a thimble away
Throwing a thimble away in a dream means that you will give up on one idea that is taking too much of your time but doesn’t bring desired results. You have been working on it for a while, and you have a hard time letting it go. However, you know that it is pointless to do something that will not have a positive outcome.
To dream of other people throwing a thimble away
If you see someone else throwing a thimble away in a dream, it means that you will finally decide, with your partner or family member, to renovate your home, invest in a quality piece of furniture, or buy a house appliance. You believe that you will fix bad relationships currently present in your home by adorning your living space or making your daily chores easier.
Interpretations of dreams can differ depending on the material a thimble is made out of.
To dream of a copper thimble
If a young person dreams of a copper thimble, it often symbolizes a new baby in the family. There is a chance that you will have a child, or one of your loved ones, like a friend or colleague, will let you know that they are expecting. If an older person has such a dream, it means that they will be proud of their descendants.
To dream about an iron thimble
An iron thimble in a dream means that you have chosen the hard way to achieve your goals. You are probably too stubborn to accept the help offered to you. You don’t want to owe anyone anything, which is why you will try to get what you want alone. You will need a lot of time for it, but you will be proud of yourself when you succeed.
To dream of a plastic thimble
A plastic thimble in a dream means that you are a pragmatic person. You try to simplify all problems enough to persuade people that they are trivial. You can’t function well when someone panics around you because it causes unnecessary stress. You choose to work alone instead of in a team since other people can’t pressure you to do anything that way.
To dream of a rubber thimble
If you see or use a rubber thimble in a dream, it means that you will find a way to finish your daily tasks quicker and easier. You might come up with that idea alone, or someone else will take credit for it. Anyhow, you will simplify the job, and the results will come faster than usual.
To dream of a glass thimble
A glass thimble in a dream means that you will have to lie to protect your loved one. There is a chance that you will provide an alibi to a family member, friend, or colleague. Your conscience will not be guilty because you believe that you must give a hand to the people you love. However, only later will you realize that you have made a mistake you can’t fix.
To dream of a porcelain thimble
When you dream of a porcelain thimble, it means that you will get a luxury gift. Your partner, one of the family members, a close friend, or a business associate will surprise you. You will see it as a polite but entirely unnecessary gesture, considering that you are someone who appreciates more modest gifts.
To dream about a gold thimble
A gold thimble in a dream means that you will envy someone because that person doesn’t have to worry about their existence or the existence of their loved ones. We are talking about someone who has acquired great wealth, not only through hard work but some other factors as well. You will want to be in their shoes, at least for a moment and provide the people you care about with everything they need.
To dream of a leather thimble
If you see or use a leather thimble in a dream, it means that you will feel good in the company of strangers. You will get invited to a meeting, dinner, or party where you don’t know anyone, and you will wonder whether to accept the invitation or not. If you say yes, there is a chance that you will have a great time and make a lot of acquaintances.
The meaning of dreams can be a lot more trivial. If you have recently seen a classic or silver thimble, it has left an impression on you.
