The Dove is famously known for symbolizing love and peace all over the world, and is featured heavily in many different religions.
But, is there anything else that a Dove symbolizes? And what does it mean to see or even dream one?
We’re going to cover all of these bases here. We’ll discuss everything you need to know about Dove symbolism, dive into their meanings across different cultures, look at their mythology, and loads more.
What It Means To See A Dove
First of all, let’s take a look at what it means if you see a Dove. Most commonly, seeing a dove is associated with peace, love, and hope.
In many cultures, the dove is also seen as a symbol of the Holy Spirit and is often used in religious art and literature.
In a more general sense, the dove can be seen as a symbol of new beginnings, purity, and innocence too.
The sight of a dove may also evoke feelings of calmness and serenity, and it is often viewed as a positive omen or sign of good things to come.
Dove Symbolism In Native American Culture
In Native American cultures, the dove is often seen as a symbol of peace and is believed to bring messages of hope and love.
It is also associated with the spirit world and is sometimes considered to be a messenger between the physical and spiritual realms.
In some Native American traditions, the dove is also seen as a symbol of motherhood and is revered for its nurturing and protective qualities.
In these cultures, the sight of a dove may be interpreted as a sign of comfort, protection, and a reminder to nurture and care for oneself and others.
In Navajo culture, the dove is seen as a symbol of peace, hope, and healing. It is believed to bring messages of comfort and to help soothe the troubled heart.
The Navajo people see the dove as a gentle and compassionate creature, and its songs and calls are believed to bring peace to the soul.
In Navajo healing ceremonies, the dove is often invoked to help bring balance, harmony, and wellness to the body, mind, and spirit.
The sight of a dove in Navajo culture is often interpreted as a sign of hope, reassurance, and a reminder to seek peace and harmony in one’s life.
In Apache tradition, the dove is seen as a symbol of motherhood and is revered for its nurturing and protective qualities.
The Apache believe that doves remind us to nurture and care for ourselves and others, and the sight of a dove may be interpreted as a call to action to be more compassionate and supportive towards those around us.
Dove Symbolism In Christianity
In Christianity, the dove is often seen as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. This association comes from the story in the New Testament in which the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove at his baptism.
From that moment on, the dove has been viewed as a symbol of the Holy Spirit and is often used in Christian art, literature, and religious iconography.
The dove is also seen as a symbol of peace, hope, and love, and is associated with many of the qualities that the Holy Spirit is believed to embody.
These include wisdom, guidance, and comfort. In Christian tradition, the sight of a dove may be interpreted as a sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit and a reminder of God’s love and guidance.
Dove Symbolism in Catholicism
Much like its symbolism in Christianity, in Catholicism, the dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit.
It is often depicted in Christian art and literature as descending upon Jesus at his baptism, as a symbol of the Holy Spirit’s descent and empowerment of Jesus for his ministry.
The dove also symbolizes peace, purity, and innocence, reflecting the gentle and loving nature of the Holy Spirit.
In this sense, the dove is a reminder of the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of individual Catholics and the Church as a whole.
Dove Symbolism in Celtic Mythology
It’s not just Native American culture and the religions of Catholicism and Christianity where the Dove holds sacred symbolism.
In Celtic mythology, the dove is often associated with the goddess Brigid, who is the goddess of poetry, healing, and fertility.
The dove is said to be sacred to her and is seen as a symbol of her nurturing and protective qualities.
The Dove is also associated with the idea of transformation and renewal, as doves often build their nests in the hollows of trees and are seen as guardians of the forest.
In this sense, the dove represents the idea of new beginnings and the cyclical nature of life and death.
In Celtic art and folklore, the dove is often depicted as a messenger between the gods and humans too, carrying messages of hope and renewal to those in need.
The Dove As A Spirit Animal
In many cultures, the Dove is seen as a spirit animal as it represents gentleness, purity, and grace.
The dove’s role as a messenger in many mythologies and its association with the divine also make it a common symbol of spiritual connection and communication.
Of course, spirit animals and their symbolism are personal to each individual and what one person chooses the Dove for may be a totally different reason to someone else.
For example, one person might choose the dove as their spirit animal for its peaceful nature. Doves are known for their gentle and peaceful demeanor, making them a symbol of hope and calmness in many cultures.
Some people might have a personal or emotional connection to the dove, either because of memories or experiences they associate with the bird.
As mentioned, the dove is often seen as a messenger of the divine and a symbol of spiritual communication.
This can make it a powerful and meaningful spirit animal for people seeking spiritual growth and connection.
And, for some, the qualities associated with the dove – such as gentleness, love, and purity – align with their personal values and beliefs, making it a natural choice as a spirit animal.
Ultimately, choosing a spirit animal is a personal and individual experience, and the reasons for choosing a specific animal may vary from person to person.
Dove Tattoo Meaning
As with the Dove’s spirit animal meaning, the meaning behind a dove tattoo can vary depending on the individual. However, the most common meaning behind a Dove tattoo is peace.
Doves are often seen as symbols of peace, making them a popular choice for tattoos among those who value peace and harmony in their lives.
The dove is also a symbol of love, both romantic and platonic, making it a popular choice for tattoos among those who want to express their love for someone or something.
As a symbol of hope and renewal, a dove tattoo can be a reminder of the resilience and positivity of the human spirit.
Likewise, as a messenger of the divine, the dove can also be a symbol of spirituality and a connection to a higher power.
Finally, the image of a dove with an olive branch is a classic symbol of new beginnings and peace, making it a popular choice for tattoos among those looking to start anew.
Again, the meaning behind a dove tattoo can vary greatly depending on the individual, as tattoos are often deeply personal and symbolic to the wearer.
Dove Dream Meaning
What does it mean to be visited by a Dove in your dreams? Well, again, this symbolism is something that will be personal to each dreamer, and can be very much open to interpretation.
One interpretation of seeing a dove in a dream can symbolize peace and calmness, indicating a time of serenity and resolution in one’s life. Seeing a dove in a dream can also symbolize love, either romantic or platonic, and can be a sign of affection, tenderness, and emotional security.
As some cultures believe the Dove is a messenger of the divine, a dove in a dream can also symbolize a spiritual awakening or connection to a higher power.
The image of a dove in a dream can be a sign of hope and renewal too, indicating a time of positive change and growth.
And, as Doves are known for their ability to fly, dreaming on them can be symbolic of freedom and independence.
A dove in a dream may represent the desire for personal liberation or the need to break free from limitations and constraints as well.
However, the interpretation of a dream involving a dove can also be influenced by the individual’s personal experiences and cultural background. It is always important to keep in mind the context and emotions associated with the dream when attempting to interpret its meaning.
Dove Symbolism In Astrology
In astrology, the planet Venus is often associated with love, beauty, and harmony, and these qualities are often reflected in the symbolism of doves.
Doves are seen as symbols of peace, love, and purity, and their gentle nature is thought to embody the qualities of Venus.
As such, doves may be used in astrology to represent the influence of Venus in a person’s life, particularly in matters related to love, relationships, and personal values.
The presence of doves in astrological charts and interpretations may indicate a strong influence of Venus and a need for peace, love, and harmony in the individual’s life.
Dove Zodiac Symbolism
In astrology, doves are not directly tied to any specific zodiac sign. However, the qualities associated with doves such as peace, love, and purity, may be emphasized in certain zodiac signs.
For example, the sign of Taurus is known for its appreciation of beauty, luxury, and comfort, and the influence of Venus (the planet associated with doves) may amplify these qualities in a Taurus individual.
Similarly, the sign of Libra is associated with balance, harmony, and diplomacy, and the influence of Venus may reinforce these traits.
In general, the presence of doves in astrological charts or interpretations may indicate a need for peace, love, and harmony, regardless of the individual’s zodiac sign.
Final Thoughts
The Dove symbolizes many things across different cultures, but it is most commonly associated with the symbolism of love, peace, purity, and hope.
It is also one of the commonly used animals in religious iconography, with references to Doves in The Bible. Likewise, the Dove has been revered in Celtic mythology and symbolic of fertility and renewal.
So, whether you keep spotting Doves out in the wild or you’re being visited by one in your dreams, it’s fair to say that peace, love, hope, and potential new beginnings are headed your way!