Feathered Friends: Symbol of Dove with Peace and Love

This is my first blog write up about the feathered animals. I decided to feature this kind of very lovable as dove simply because it usually I see nearby or let me say that Dove is everywhere.

Dove Meaning

The Dove symbolism and meaning including peace, love, unity, devotion, navigation, messages, grave, gentleness, purity, the Holy Spirit and the human souland hope. Dove belong to the Columbidae family of birds which also include pigeons. Dove is much similar to the pigeons but Dove is generally smaller than pigeons. Dove colors may vary white, mottled gray, black, green and other combinations.

Dove Symbolizes

Dove is a symbol of love. Why is it that some weddings ceremony they used dove than the other birds? Well, the answer is that Dove was singled out to represent romance because Greek mythology associates the small, white bird with Aphrodite, the goddess of love (known in Roman mythology as Venus). Aphrodite Venus is often depicted with doves fluttering around her or resting on her hand. Doves also represents as monogamy and loyalty in relationships as dove has a nice qualities for a Valentines date because they tend to stay with the same partner during mate season or in other words they are generally loyal to their lovers. The association dates back to the Middle Ages, when people believed that all birds are chosen their mates on Valentines Day. Although some birds do mate during the middle of February including the mistle thrush, blackbird and partridge.

Dove represents the Holy Spirit

In christian belief, a dove also symbolizes the Holy Spirit, in reference to Matthew 3:16 and Luke 3:22 where the Holy Spirit is compared to a dove at the Baptism of Jesus. The dove and olive branch also appeared in Christian images of Noah's ark. 

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened and he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'

Dove as messenger

It is known that dove used as messenger. Long time ago, when there was no access to communications. The rock dove has the ability to return to its nest using magnetoreception. They can fly as long as 1,800 km (1,100 miles) or in the race of pigeons records. In historically, they used to send messages.

Bible Verses about Dove

- But if he cannot afford a lamb, then he shall bring to the Lord his guilt offering for that in which he has sinned, two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering. Leviticus 5:7
- So He said to him, Bring Me a three year old heifer, and a three year old female goat, and a three year old ram, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon. Genesis 15:9
- But if his offering to the Lord is a burnt offering of birds, then he shall bring his offering from the turtledoves or from young pigeons. Leviticus 1:14
- And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. John 2:14
- I said, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. Psalm 55:6

We always envy the birds as they will fly as high as they want. Birds symbolizes freedom and democracy. Some of them are became as pet to the people living at home but some are living on forest away from cages and human beings. Always protect those animals and preserve them for the next generation. Although, they are not endagered species but the matter is they are including in the ecosystem.

LIVE. LOVE. LAUGH

Thank you.

@jonnahmatias1016