I’ve been asked about symbolic meaning of doves. The following is my response:
Primary symbolic meaning of doves stem in ancient cultures due to their voices. The dove’s cooing has lulled the ears of humanity for hundreds of years, and as such finds meanings such as comfort and reassurance.
The Native American (Pueblo, specifically) believed that the cooing of the Dove could coax the rain from the skies. In fact, they believed the appearance of the Dove was a sign of rain to come. Or, if during a dry spell, the Pueblo believed the Dove would lead them to water.
Other cultures such as the Ancient Celts, Picti, and Gauls believed the voice of the Dove was a mourning call. When its cry was heard, this indicated a soul was passing from the earth in peace.
The Slavs believed the Dove carried the souls of the deceased to heaven. Gypsy folklore believes that Doves are soft, subtle messengers – winging their messages of love to our hearts from the spirit world.
In Christian traditions, the dove is considered a symbol of divinity as it is the representation of the Christ. Also in ancient Christian lore the dove is considered a symbol for mother, specifically their virgin mother Mary.
By far, my research has lead me to conclude that the primary symbolism of the Dove is that of patience and tenderness. Their voice along with the soft hue of their bodies, and the tender glow of their eyes – all lead to thoughts of softness, tenderness and symbols of love.
Please note that ultimately, symbolic interpretations are up to you to determine. I can only give you traditional symbolism, cultural perceptions, and my own interpretations.
That said, I’ve come to understand that our animal friends are just as willing and able to communicate as we are, but we must be open to their message. Therefore, I would encourage you to invoke the spirit of the animals (in your case, the dove) directly and inquire as to the purpose of its appearance in your life.
And lastly, because of all these softly inspiring attributes, the most withstanding meaning of Dove is hope.
More pages of interest for your contemplative moseying:
this information is completely a myth a dove symbolises an angel.
Thank you for your observation.
My lover and I were discussing whether we should stay together or not. At that moment a lone dove appeared at the window. I started crying. There’s a dove, only one. At that moment as we both looked moist eyed at the lone dove, another dove swept out of no where and the dove on the window sill took it’s place beside the second dove and flew away. Was this a sign? Does it say we should stay together or was it saying someone else would be coming into one of our lives?
Hi Betty,
Soft, gentle, loving, and trusting – doves are drawn to these energies.
Rather than ask if the dove is a sign to take action, delve deeper into the qualities the dove represents.
When we immerse ourselves in the higher energies of love, peace, and forgiveness – our answers fall before our feet.
My love and light to you,
A.
Am francis by name meaning free and so far the doves ar always free so i belong to the free world which DOVEs also encounter. Am a DOVE cos am free from affliction.
I’m cool
Doves are pure sent from GOD, the most respectfull animal there is. The Holy Spirit sent from above with Light and Divine Love.
Hi Liset, Thank you for your observation.
Namaste,
A.
A White Dove was found in the back yard. It was wrapped in a towel and placed in a shed. Next day it had died – What does this symbolize?
On saturday many doves appeared on my front porch. I live in ny and it was such a cold day. this has never happened before. my dad is very sick right now and i need to know what this represents in this time of saddness.
Donna,
doves mean hope and uplifting promise. front doors are symbolic of new beginnings and openings. how many doves were there? what do they mean to you? what feeling did you have when they appeared to you? they must mean something importent to you, or you wouldn’tve asked the question in the first place.
Hi Donna,
“icanrel8″ has a good point, and I too would encourage you to mine the golden nuggets of meaning this experience holds for you. ‘Tis true, doves offer energetic matches to hope, promise and higher inspiration. They also speak to us of rejuvination, and trasformation. Again, I agree with Icanrel8, front doors are symbolic of introductions, new openings, beginnings. The meaning is within you Donna, contemplate the energy that surrounds you, and the purpose of this very special message that has come to you, and only you.
My thoughts are with you and your father.
Namaste & bright blessings,
A.
One week out of hospital for open heart surgery, under a oak tree I had a dove follow me to a chair and when i sat down it flew up to the arm of the chair and walked on my arm. A table was near and this dove stayed on the table and would walk up my arm allowing me to touch its feet and wings. The Dove even took water from a bottle. After 30 minutes it flew off. To see if their was a history of this happening I called the owner of the property who said nope never happened before, he also paints murals on bikes and he said he just had a bike come into his shop that had artwork on the back fender stating,”From the wings of doves, God will send his Love”…….There was my answer..I took it as a get well card from God.
Hi Keith,
Thanks for sharing this inspirational story with us! Incredible, and a true testimony that we’re all (human and non-human alike) in this elegant experience of life together. If I may, in return, share something with you: Symbolism of the Oak tree. It’s a Celtic perspective, but valid nonetheless.
Thanks again,
Namaste,
A.
I like the symbolism !
In Judaism, Christianity, and Islam a white dove is generally a sign for peace. The Torah, The Old Testament and The Qur’an describe a story in which a dove was released by Noah after the Great Flood in order to find land. The dove came back carrying an olive branch in its beak, telling Noah that the Great Flood had receded and there was land once again for Man. (Genesis 8:11).
The motif can also represent “hope for peace” and even a peace offering from one man to another, as in the phrase “extend an olive branch”. Often, the dove is represented as still in flight to remind the viewer of its role as messenger.
I had a dream about my ex from many years ago and this upset me for days, when finally I broke down in tears and pleaded with god to send me a sign if she still cared about me. About an hour and a half later a dove landed in a tree near to where I was sitting, looked at me, and bobbed his head over and over. I knew immidiately what this meant, here was my sign. It gave me great comfort and renewed confidence. I am now going to follow up on my lost love.
I was stopped at a stoplight when a single grey dove landed on the front hood of my car. It just stood there, and when the light turned green I slowly proceeded forward, and it then flew off. What does that mean?
Can a dove also mean hope?
Hi Jay,
You are absolutely right. The dove IS a symbol of hope. I added a sentence to the post, as it certainly needs mentioning. Thanks much!