In religious art bondage and slavery, dignity and unity are all symbolized by chains. The links in a chain suggest that we cannot exist in isolation. In dreams, we can become conscious of beliefs or mental attitudes - both in ourselves and others - which can create problems and hold us down. The links in a chain can very often symbolize the communication that we need to free ourselves. To dream of chains in any form indicates a type of restriction or dependency. Just as we need strength to break out of chains, this is also needed for chains which support. In becoming aware of what is holding us back, we also become appreciative of how to break free.