Dove symbolism is a wide topic, but the main things they represent are love, peace, and grace. These gorgeous birds have a very strong spirit and symbolize many important things.
Most know them for the feeling of comfort they provide, and some believe that doves are a reminder of someone who is no longer present in your life but is missed and remembered or a message from a loved one. However, they have much more profound importance.
Seeing doves a lot can indicate a message waiting for you. Here’s what you need to know about dove symbolism and what to do when doves show themselves to you.
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Meaning & Symbolism
Doves have different meanings depending on who’s observing them. It could be peace, love, healing, and grace. Christianity, Native Americans, and Greece all have different meanings and symbolism regarding Doves.
Doves primarily symbolize hard times coming to an end and peace in Christianity. Additionally, these birds are associated with Mother Mary and her qualities, including peace, purity, care, and devotion. Lastly, doves are an important symbol in Noah’s Ark – one returned with an olive branch.
In Native American culture, Doves are seen as the union of the spiritual worlds and physical realm. Some groups, like the Algonquin, believe doves are a bad omen and mean death is near, the Blackfoot view them as a sign of protection, and the Pueblo believe doves bring rain.
In Greek mythology, doves represent various ideas like immortality, love, and rebirth. The Greek goddess Aphrodite often has doves surrounding her. Legend says she was born in a chariot that was drawn by doves.
In Aztec mythology, however, doves are symbols of Xochiquetzal, the goddess of love.
© Alan D. Wilson
What Does Seeing A Dove Symbolize?
Many believe that if a dove visits you, it’s a sign of encouragement from a family member or friend. In addition, these birds provide comfort because they help people remember their loved ones who are watching over them.
These birds can even be a gentle reminder that you need to follow the flow of life and get back into harmony. When it comes to grief, seeing a dove could be a sign that spiritual love is surrounding you.
Related: Dove vs Pigeon
The most common dove in the United States, the Mourning Dove, is said to symbolize peace, love, and faith, as well as angels and God.
Spiritual Meaning
Doves are wonderful birds when it comes to spiritual meaning. These birds are shy, expressive, and friendly. They have colors that communicate important messages to those who know how to interpret them.
As a result, doves often appear in people’s lives when they’re ready for a reminder of someone who is no longer present in your life but is missed and remembered or a message from a loved one.
Doves are said to show up to help you find your way out of the dark and into the light. Along with their comforting aura, they’re also known for their peace, grace, and soothing aura.
Doves have a wide variety of meanings. However, there’s some commonality in these meanings. All of them represent good things. They represent growth and good nature, so you don’t need to feel worried if you see one.
Just know they’re trying to share something spiritually with you, so be receptive and keep an open mind!
Peace
Doves are well-known symbols of peace for a few different reasons. First, doves are released at the Olympic Games opening ceremonies, which is also known as the “festival of peace.”
Secondly, there’s a theory that these birds got their symbolism from the biblical episode of the Great Flood from the story of Noah. In this biblical episode, doves appear to be harbingers of peace, symbolizing that there is dry land ahead and better times are ahead.
Finally, it is also said that Pablo Picasso’s, the Spanish artist’s use of doves in his work, contributed to the widespread acknowledgment of them representing peace.
© Alan D. Wilson
Grace
By nature, doves are both graceful and beautiful. They’re symbols of grace because they reveal that Jesus came to save sinners, not by their works, but by their grace. The dove itself represents Jesus’ means of getting salvation for those who believe in and receive him.
They are seen as symbols of good luck.
Dove Tattoo Meaning
Flying dove tattoos are commonly used to symbolize tranquility and peace. This is because they’re commonly associated with victory. However, there’s a wide variety of different meanings associated with these kinds of tattoos.
Read more: Bird Tattoo Meanings & Ideas
For example, people commonly tattoo these birds to represent family and love as well. It’s not uncommon for couples to get doves to symbolize their love. Additionally, parents or children get this design to symbolize the strength of their family bond.
Christians will get a dove tattoo because it’s a meaningful option. For example, these tattoos may show the dove with Jesus, a cross, or other Bible-related figures or symbols.
Another reason this tattoo design is such a popular choice is that it can be worn by both women and men and be designed in a variety of different sizes.
Dove Symbolism – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the spiritual meaning of a dove?
Doves are wonderful animals when it comes to spiritual meaning. They have colors that communicate important messages to those who know how to interpret them. As a result, doves often appear in people’s lives when they’re ready for a reminder of someone who is no longer present in their life but is missed and remembered or a message from a loved one.
What does a white dove symbolize?
White doves symbolize tranquility, innocence, and peace. They’re believed to remind us that there’s still good in the world. Seeing white doves can also bring a sense of security and comfort, assuring us that good always prevails. White doves often represent the spirit of God or the holy spirit.
What are doves associated with?
Doves are often associated with peace, love, grace, and innocence.
What personality does a dove represent?
Doves often represent personalities that are shy, expressive, and friendly.
What does the dove symbolize in Native American culture?
In Native American culture, Doves are seen as the union of the spiritual worlds and physical realm. Some groups, like the Algonquin, believe doves are a bad omen and mean death is near, the Blackfoot view them as a sign of protection, and the Pueblo believe doves bring rain.
What does it mean when a dove visits you?
If you see a dove or find that doves keep visiting you. They’re most likely trying to tell you something. Doves are great teachers and are often trying to teach you spiritual lessons, including following your purpose, practicing unconditional love, trying to be more present, having faith and trust, and being open to synchronicity.
Conclusions
Doves are incredible birds that mean a lot of different things. However, you’ll be happy to know that seeing doves almost always means good things.
First, however, be sure that you’re paying attention to the birds’ behavior and how often you see them.
Since they represent so many things, you’ll have to pinpoint precisely what the doves are trying to tell you.