title: Rapunzel: the symbolism of the cutting of hair.
abstract: I have adduced data to demonstrate that the act of cutting of hair is a symbol. The criterion of proof used is the traditional one in psychoanalysis: the idea carries constant meanings in separate areas of human experience and behavior. Such constant meanings are shown in a folk tale, the mental lives of patients, clinical studies by other authors, and certain practices of other cultures. The cutting of hair symbolizes separation from a mothering object, castration, and reparation.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004325:Dreams; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair; D006801:Humans; D009769:Object Attachment; D011573:Psychoanalytic Interpretation; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy; D013561:Symbolism