There is a type of dream that only exists in Asia, mainly in South Korea. It is called the conception dream – in Korean: Taemong – a dream that is believed to predict the birth or future of an unborn child. This dream can be had by the soon-to-be mother or by someone close to her. Taemong dreams consist of the dreamer interacting with fruits (e.g. apples, watermelons, persimmons, chestnuts), animals, nature, children, or precious jewels. The interaction can be giving, taking, or consuming the fruit, embracing, or catching an animal, or interacting with nature. 

There are sometimes heavy meanings in these dreams, such as identifying the gender of the child, or insight into the child’s personality. There are many different dream interpretations related to animals, fruits, and vegetables from Korean culture. It is important to note that these interpretations are not universal or definitive, and can vary depending on the individual or cultural contexts as well as other factors. But, even so, these dreams are considered very special and hold a lot of meaning. Taemong is more than just a dream; it is a cultural touchstone that connects generations and reflects the hopes and expectations for a new life.  

My mother's Taemong dream after she had me was of snakes. She was walking on a mountain trail. She describes her feelings in the dream as warm, safe, and clear. When my mom entered the forest, the entire world was covered with snakes, all over the floor, everywhere. Sunbeams glistened on the snakes’ backs with different colors, and she recalled she never had seen these beautiful snakes in her life. As she walked along the creek, she tried hard not to step on any of the snakes. My mom explained the joy and happiness she had felt in her dream was clearer than ever. 

Generally, people would consider dreaming of a snake as a nightmare. Scary and unpleasant. But in terms of Taemong, a snake can be a lucky sign of a baby, full of joy and celebration. What makes a snake be interpreted in such a different way? How can I make the readers imagine the same dream instead of a nightmare?  

I did a collaborative experiment with AI, trying to generate the vivid image and feelings that my mom had. At the same time, I continued a live chat with my mom to write the prompt for the closest image we could get.

Prompts for the closest image of my snake conception dream:

1st
The day was bright and clear, pregnant mother. As she walked around the mountain trail, she was surrounded by these beautiful tiny snakes of every shape, and color imaginable, they covered the floor, the wall, and all around her. no space remaining to step. An overwhelming sense of happiness and contentment. the beauty of the forest and the mountains. 

2nd
bright and clear daylight, Asian pregnant mother walking around the mountain trail, surrounded by these beautiful tiny snakes of every shape, and color imaginable, they covered the floor, the wall, and all around her, leaving no space to step forward. An overwhelming sense of happiness and contentment. 

3rd
bright and clear daylight, Asian pregnant mother walking around the mountain trail, surrounded by these beautiful snakes, shining in the sunlight. They covered the floor, the wall, and all around her, leaving no space to step forward. An overwhelming sense of happiness and contentment. 

4th
bright and clear daylight, Asian pregnant mother walking around the mountain trail, surrounded by these most beautiful and colorful snakes, shining in the sunlight. They covered the floor, the wall, and all around her, leaving no space to step forward. An overwhelming sense of happiness and contentment. 

5th
bright and clear daylight, Asian pregnant mother walking around the mountain trail. She was surrounded by the snakes with the most beautiful pattern shining in the sunlight, their eyes blinking with long lashes staring at the lady. They covered the floor, the wall, and all around her, leaving no space to step forward. An overwhelming sense of happiness and contentment. 

6th
bright and clear daylight, Asian pregnant mother walking around the mountain trail. She was surrounded by the most colorful and beautiful snakes with pretty patterns shimmering under the sunlight, with big eyes, long lashes staring at the lady. The snakes covered the floor, the wall, everywhere all around her, leaving no space to step. An overwhelming sense of happiness and contentment.