For the religious among us, the dove is a very symbolic animal. It has been mentioned several times in the Scriptures, making it into the form the Spirit takes as it descends on the earth. Observing the dove, this is no wonder. Doves are very meek and humble creatures, and even though they are birds they choose to fly low to the ground choosing to be close to the more earthbound creatures.
Pigeons aren’t much different. They too are land-loving birds, and it’s pretty common to see them flocking to public places where they are fed by passers-by. Like doves, pigeons are smart and have been used as message couriers since ancient times.
Dove / Pigeon Symbolism Facts & Meaning: A Totem, Spirit & Power Animal
Aside from their looks, doves and pigeons share the same warm and friendly qualities that their symbolisms have intermingled throughout time. Here, let’s find out more about these birds’ traits that we can imbibe in our daily life.
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Dove / Pigeon Symbolism & Meaning
The most common symbolism of doves and pigeons arise when they are associated with divinity. White birds become the symbol of hope. However, there are many other colors of both species that are worth looking into. For example, speckled doves and pigeons (one of the most common kinds) place emphasis on unity through diversity.
But one of the most important aspects of doves and pigeons is their ability to return home no matter where they end up in. It’s as if they have a built-in GPS system. This ability has been seen in other birds, but they are especially manifested in doves and pigeons.
Thus, these birds primarily signify going on a journey to find one’s home. This home might be symbolic or literal. We all go on quests to find ourselves and achieve our dreams, but we often lose sight of the need to go back to our roots — something that is just as important.
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Dove / Pigeon Spirit Animal
As a spirit animal, doves and pigeons are potent guides in helping you find that comfort zone in your life. Of course, moving out of it and expanding your horizons is very important, but comfort zones are there for a reason — when things get tough and you need someplace to go back to, your comfort place should be right there waiting.
Doves and pigeons are also reminders of the child within each and everyone of us. This is the part of us that remains pure and innocent no matter what befalls us in life. We are reminded that we need to nurture this inner child, at the very least to be able to relive that joy that innocence brings.
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Dove / Pigeon Power Animal
Sometimes we seek love and peace in life, but circumstances make it hard. We’re only human after all — but in our humanity is also the capacity to love endlessly and unconditionally! The dove and the pigeon helps us unleash this. Call upon their power when a relationship hits the rocks, when work becomes overwhelming, when times turn awry — pretty much anytime you think more love and understanding is warranted from your side.
The dove and the pigeon are also great power animals for those who find themselves in the position of parenthood or guardianship, as love and peace should always be the foundation for a happy family.
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Dove / Pigeon Totem Animal
People born under the dove and pigeon totems are some of the most caring and understanding individuals you will ever meet. They are altruistic, and they always seek out the most peaceful resolutions in any conflict.
Their primary weakness, though, is when they are surrounded by danger and strife. These could easily put them off-balance, like a dove or pigeon in the wild. Their honesty and goodwill may not always fare well in all environments, thus it is important for them to partner with a person of a more forward or cunning totem.
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Dove / Pigeon Native American Symbolism
To the Native Americans, the dove is a merging of the physical and spiritual planes. They symbolize a release of the earthly things, and an embracing of those from beyond. It may be a more prominent theme in other religions of the world, but the Native Americans also understood the idea of letting go in order to feel inner peace.
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Dove / Pigeon Celtic Symbolism
To the Celts, the dove’s and pigeon’s connection between the earthly and heavenly planes mean that these birds are guides to the afterlife. Their cry means someone has peacefully passed on. To a lesser extent, they are also associated with healing deities and oracles.
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Dove / Pigeon Far Eastern Symbolism
To those in China, the dove is a symbol not just of heavenly devotion but also of longevity. The symbol of the dove is often invoked to help channel more peace, thus allowing one to grow and prosper.
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Dove / Pigeon in Dreams
When you see doves and pigeons in the dream world, keep an eye out for a time of peace ahead. Use this wisely to retreat, regroup, and plan your steps. Remember, life is a cycle — this peace may just be the eye of the storm, and you may get thrust into the winds of life again soon after.
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Dove Pigeon Encounters / Dove Pigeon Omens
When you see doves or pigeons in your waking life, you may need to look around you for someone who needs your care. Somewhere in your circles might be a person needing your help or your guidance in life. Engage your parental instincts and you might just get the chance to influence a person’s direction in life!
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Dove / Pigeon Mythology and Folklore
In every community, doves are among the most renowned and revered birds. These lovely animals played a crucial role in human mythology, folklore, and culture for a very long time. Over the years, these birds have been associated with a wide range of ideas and meanings, including Native American culture and Greek mythology.
Doves have been important in many civilizations, showing their widespread appeal and everlasting significance. These birds act as a continual reminder of all the different ways humans have found value and meaning in nature.
Here are some myths, folklore, and legendary stories about doves from different places:
Pure Heart
For decades, doves have held a unique position in Native American tradition, since they are regarded as symbols of purity, innocence, regeneration, and the approach of spring. Dove habits and behaviors have been researched for centuries by indigenous peoples in North America, and they were once utilized to impart vital messages and teachings.
Doves are regarded by Native Americans as symbols of something new and an entirely new start. They are frequently seen as hopeful and optimistic messengers, heralding the approach of spring and the promise of fresh life. The advent of doves in the spring reminds us that everything in nature is interconnected and that the life cycle endures.
Doves are also a symbol of innocence and decency in Native American culture. They stand for the importance of preserving a pure heart and mind and leading an unblemished life. Doves serve as a further reminder to value the young, safeguard the future generation, and enjoy their innocence and beauty.
All things considered, the importance of doves in Native American mythology is a witness to the profound reverence and amazement that indigenous societies have for nature and the environment. Dove’s act as an ongoing reminder of the interconnectedness of everything and the value of living in peace with the environment.
A Devoted Friend
A well-known symbol for devotion and fidelity in Persian mythology, the dove is frequently seen as the main character’s devoted friend. Loyalty has always been valued by the Persians, and the dove has acted as an everlasting symbol for this concept.
Doves are revered as compassionate and innocent creatures that are unwavering in their loyalty to their chosen partners. The hero is often accompanied by a pigeon in Persian myths and tales. The dove acts as the hero’s companion and friend, always present to lend support and inspiration when needed.
The value of commitment and allegiance in Persian culture is demonstrated by the significant role of the dove in Persian mythology. The dove represents an indication of the priority that the Persians have always put on creating strong links of trust and devotion with those whom we consider close to us.
Overall, the dove has come to stand for loyalty, faithfulness, and unshakable affection as a beloved figure in Persian folklore. The presence of it in Persian literature acts as an indication of the continuing worth of these concepts and their significance for forging lasting connections with the people you care for.
Kamadeva, the Hindu Deity of Love
Hindu mythology makes use of the dove as a representation of affection and longing. It is frequently associated with Kamadeva, the deity of love, who is said to have used a dove as part of his effort to help people learn to love.
The dove is viewed as a symbol of the strength and radiance of the human heart and a message of affection and longing. Kamadeva appears with a sugarcane bow and arrows crafted from flowers, with a dove perched on his shoulder, in several Hindu tales and stories. A reminder of the might of the deity and the value of affection and longing in human existence, the dove represents both.
In Hindu mythology, the dove symbolizes the profound religious and social importance of romance in Indian society. The dove is a symbol of love, which is said to be a strong force that may unite people and change the course of history.
Generally speaking, the dove is an appreciated symbol in Hindu mythology, symbolizing the viciousness and excellence of love and desire. The fact that it appears throughout Indian folklore and myths provides testament to these notions’ enduring importance and influence on shaping things around us.
The Baptism
The dove holds special significance in Christian folklore as an image of the Holy Spirit. It is frequently depicted as coming down from the heavens at Jesus’ baptism in order to bring out the heavenly aspect of God’s compassion and kindness.
The New Testament of the Bible could indicate when the dove’s association with the Holy Spirit first showed up. The Holy Spirit manifests in the form of a dove in Matthew’s Gospel at John the Baptist’s baptism of Jesus. This event can be seen as an important indicator of the coming of God’s Kingdom in addition to the start of Jesus’ mission to spread the kindness and compassion of God through the rest of mankind.
The tremendous spiritual and social implications of the Holy Spirit’s majesty in Christian theology are mirrored by the dove’s prominent presence in Christian mythology. The dove represents the holy presence of the love and compassion of God in everyday life, and it serves as an illustration for the Holy Spirit, who is acknowledged as a tremendous strength who guides and motivates Christians.
In summary, the dove is an iconic image in Christian mythology, portraying both the powerful influence of the Holy Spirit and the eternal message of the unconditional love of God. Its existence in Christian texts and works of art serves as an illustration of the transformative power of religion and the continual relevance of God’s compassion in every facet of what we do.
The Souls of the Deceased
The dove is a unique symbol in African mythology, frequently associated with mortality and eternity. The bird is said to have a capacity to communicate with the souls of the deceased, and it serves as a message connecting those who are alive and those who have passed away.
In African mythology, the dove is a distinctive emblem, usually linked with death and eternity. According to legend, the bird can speak with the spirits of the dead and acts as an intermediary between those still alive and those who have departed.
The dove is depicted as a strong and enigmatic bird with the ability to easily travel between the realms of the live and deceased in several African tales and stories. It has a reputation as an advocate and defender, aiding in the correct honoring and recalling of the souls of deceased people.
All things considered, the dove maintains a unique place in African mythology, suggesting the significance of dealing with the dead that endures forever as well as the significant impact that death has on the development that defines human culture. Its appearance in folktales and legends from Africa is a sign of the strong religious and cultural foundations that formed the rich and diverse fabric of African culture.
The Egyptian Deity Isis
The important role of the dove in Egyptian mythology shows the ancient Egyptians’ profound religious and cultural principles. The bird represented the deity Isis’ mild and loving qualities, and its presence was viewed as a powerful sign of development, rebirth, and regeneration.
Isis, renowned for her responsibilities as a mother, healer, and guardian, was regarded as one of Egypt’s greatest and most powerful goddesses in earlier times. She is usually portrayed with a dove in paintings and religious sculptures, which indicates her loving and kind attitude.
The ancient Egyptians had strong religious and cultural convictions, which are shown in the importance of the dove in Egyptian mythology. The bird symbolized the goddess Isis’ gentle and compassionate attributes, while it was viewed as a strong emblem of growth, revival, and regeneration.
Regardless of what was taken into account, the dove had a distinctive meaning in Egyptian mythology, acting as a representation of the deity Isis’s ferocious and maternal traits. Its relationship with love, fertility, and rebirth serves as a reminder of the lasting significance of such concepts in ancient Egyptian civilization, as well as the important influence that folklore keeps having in molding our view of the universe around us.
The Sign of Peace
In Chinese mythology, the dove denotes the values of tenderness, empathy, and repentance and is a sign of peace and calm. At times, when observed, it holds a branch of olives in its beak, a powerful symbol of kindness that has been cherished for many years.
The symbolic value of the dove in Chinese mythology reveals the Chinese people’s major spiritual and cultural values. Harmony and tranquility are widely prized in Chinese culture, and the dove acts as a potent symbol of the value of these traits in our lives.
The picture of a dove with a branch of olives has become an international symbol of peace, with its beginnings traceable to ancient Chinese tales and stories. Many Chinese tales show the dove as a messenger of peace, conveying words of optimism and healing between conflicting parties.
In general terms, the dove has special meaning in Chinese mythology because it stands for the everlasting significance of tranquility, empathy, and forgiveness. Its relationship with the branch of olives acts as a moving symbol of the profound natural yearning for tranquility and unity, as well as the vital role that legend keeps playing in molding our perception of these fundamental ideals.
Freya of Norse Mythology
The dove was highly associated with Freya, a deity of love, fertility, and battle in Norse mythology. Huginn and Muninn, Freya’s doves, are believed to fly across the earth and reflect back to their owner anything they observe.
Huginn and Muninn were especially crucial for Freya because their presence enabled her to maintain a strict watch on the planet and its inhabitants. Doves were also believed to be symbolic representations of Freya’s power and dominance, as well as her knowledge.
The prominence of the dove in Norse mythology demonstrates the Vikings’ deep religious and cultural values. The doves symbolized Freya’s capacity to cross space and time so as to gather knowledge and gain an understanding of the world around her.
As a whole, the dove maintained an important status in Norse mythology, indicating the goddess Freya’s strength and intelligence. Its link with wisdom, watchfulness, and dominance acts as a reminder of the ongoing value of these traits in Viking society, in addition to the enduring relevance of mythology in molding our perceptions of everything around us.
Aphrodite and the Doves
The dove was strongly associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, in Greek mythology. The birds were said to be holy to her, so she often appeared with them.
The dove represents love, beauty, and femininity, all of which Aphrodite exemplified. The deity was claimed to have driven a chariot drawn by doves, and the birds were often reflected sitting on her hand or shoulder.
In Greek mythology, the dove became associated with innocence and purity, in addition to affection and elegance. Doves were seen flying around Aphrodite as she emerged from the water, helping her dry and dress in lovely clothing.
The dove, in general, had exceptional significance in Greek mythology, acting as a powerful symbol of femininity, love, and beauty. Its connection with Aphrodite, among the most venerated and important deities in the Greek pantheon, emphasizes the ongoing significance of such ideals in Greek society in addition to the enduring popularity of mythology in defining our perception of the world.
The Japanese Sun Goddess Amaterasu
The sun goddess Amaterasu and the dove share a long history together in Japanese mythology. Amaterasu apparently sent a dove to investigate the area while she searched for a location to build her palace. The bird ultimately came back carrying a mirror, which was an image of the goddess’s might.
The mirror developed into a significant representation in Japanese culture, representing not just the power of the sun goddess but also knowledge and the truth. It was claimed that Amaterasu used the image in the mirror to direct her decisions and that she had been handed down among Japanese rulers for thousands of years as an image of their power.
The dove was afterwards associated with Amaterasu’s strength and elegance and is regularly demonstrated as corresponding to the deity in works of art and literature. The bird’s capacity to soar high in the heavens and hunt for hidden truths rendered it an emblem of wisdom and insight.
Thus, the dove’s communication with Amaterasu and the reflection in Japanese mythology show the importance of all these symbols in Japanese culture, as well as the ongoing role of folklore in shaping our view of the world that is around us.
The dove has played a significant role in presenting several symbols and concepts in different stories and legends across the globe. The dove has been displayed as a holy bird related to different deities and beliefs that include purity and innocence, loyalty and faithfulness, love and beauty, peace, and the afterlife. The appealing nature of the dove as a representation of love, peace, and hope is demonstrated by these tales. We are constantly reminded of how crucial it is for folklore and stories to help us comprehend the world around us and link us to our fellow humans as we proceed to learn about the numerous ways this bird has been venerated, adored, and honored throughout time as well as in various faiths.
