DOVE

Dove is the symbol of patience and tenderness.

It is believed that they are text messengers of the heart and approach us automatically when we need hope, comfort and love.

There are many ancient tales which led to white doves (with an olive twig in its beak) as a symbol of peace. In 1949, a lithograph by Picasso namely, La Colombe depicting this was chosen as emblem of peace for World Peace Congress in Paris. Since then, it became very popular as a symbol of peace for the modern world. The opening ceremony of the Olympics is marked with the release of dove, which symbolises the need for peace around the world.

In Greek mythology; dove was a symbol of several gods including Zeus and Aphrodite (Venus in Roman myth).

In Christianity, it is symbol of “Holy Spirit” during the Baptism of Jesus Christ. In Japan, the dove of Hachiman (the God of War) emerges as a symbol of peace indicating the war has ended.

Because of its ability to produce milk, dove is a symbol of motherhood. For its purity and peace; dove is seen in Christian art with mother Mary and also often treated as companion of Ishtar, the Great Mother of Assyrian culture. Dove released by couples on their wedding day as a beginning of their new life together and symbol of purity.

A pair of doves is said to be a symbol of love and fidelity.

There is another anecdote which states if a dove flies in your life it means one is asked to go within and forgo emotional disharmony. It thus teaches that regardless of external circumstances peace is available within us.