Doves have been symbolic of peace for thousands of years. Many people see the dove as a religious symbol of peace that stems from the Biblical story of Noah and the Ark. In this story, Noah sends a dove out in search of land in the midst of the flood, and the dove returns with an olive leaf in its beak. This is a sign that the floodwaters have receded. In Japanese culture, a dove carrying a sword symbolises the end of war. The dove is also a symbol that is used to honour those who lost their lives as a result of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in World War Two.
In Greek mythology, the dove was a symbol of love. It was also the bird that represented Aphrodite, the goddess of love. As doves typically remain with the same partner throughout their lives, these birds traditionally represent loyalty and strong relationships.
Wild rock doves are known for their homing ability. In other words, they are able to find their way back home even if they have travelled a great distance. They do this using magnetoreception.
Did you know?
Pablo Picasso’s famous lithograph La Colombe was chosen as the emblem for the World Peace Congress in 1949. It is now recognised as a modern-day symbol of peace.
Picture credits:
Featured image: Dadalan Real/unsplash.com
Aphrodite de Milos: Tabitha Turner/unsplash.com