Mourning doves are considered by many to be symbols of hope, love, and freedom. Some bird watchers report feeling comforted by the sight of mourning doves; others believe they are messages from deceased loved ones.
The symbolism of morning doves symbolizes many different things, but the main meaning they represent is the visitation of loved ones, angels, and God.
Because of the sounds they make, their appearance, and their amazing feeding behavior, these doves have been the protagonists of stories and tales from many different cultures. Here’s everything you need to know about the symbolism of morning doves, as summarized by birdsofjoy.com.
Does the mourning dove have any special meaning?
What is the significance of a visit from a mourning dove? The mourning dove is considered by many to be a symbol of hope, love, and freedom. Doves are also a universal symbol of peace and are often associated with the holiday season. Doves are mentioned as a gift in the Christmas carol, The 12 Days.
Some bird lovers say they find comfort in the visit of a mourning dove. Others believe it is a message from a loved one or a reminder of someone who is no longer in your life but is still remembered and cherished.
“Most doves mate for life, and I find that wonderful and sweet,” says Leah Ellenberger, a reader of Birds & Blooms.
Meaning of symbolism of morning doves
The mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) belongs to the Columbidae family of pigeons. It is sometimes mistakenly called the “morning” dove because its cooing is often heard early in the day. It is also sometimes called the American mourning dove, the rain dove, and the turtle dove (which is actually a different species).
The proper name is mourning dove, referring to the characteristic sad, sorrowful cooing sound the bird makes. This call is sometimes confused with the hooting of an owl. Additionally, the wings of the mourning dove make a deep, whistling sound.
“Although the mournful sound may seem to represent sadness, mourning doves are considered spiritual messengers of peace, faith, and love,” says reader Tim Deitz.
Spiritual meaning of doves
The mourning dove is a spiritual symbol of faith, hope, peace, and love in Christianity. Several biblical stories that mention the dove help decode this symbol.
Hope and New Beginnings
In the Old Testament story of Noah’s Ark, Noah released a dove from the ark after the rain had stopped. He hoped the dove would find dry land and not return to Noah. Noah had previously released a raven, but it returned to the Ark. He was surprised when the dove returned with an olive leaf in its beak, indicating that the waters had finally receded. The dove has become a spiritual symbol of hope and new beginnings.
The Death and Resurrection of Jesus
In Christianity, the mourning dove also symbolizes the death and resurrection of Jesus, which is also a story of promise, hope, faith, and new beginnings.
The Holy Spirit
The mourning dove appears in the New Testament, telling of the baptism of Jesus, when the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove, symbolizing the union of the Trinity to bring about an era of hope for the redemption of humanity.
FAQ
What do dove feathers mean spiritually?
The feather of a mourning dove is a representation of a material aspect of the divine and is associated with peace, love, and hope. Therefore, when you find a mourning dove feather, understand that it is much more than just a feather.
Their feathers are also considered a symbol of gentleness, restoration, and communication from the spiritual realm. Coming across a mourning dove feather can signal that the universe is sending you a message of healing and serenity.
Are doves a sign of good luck?
Yes, mourning doves symbolize good luck. This is because they often appear at the end of a period of growth or challenge, marking a new point in life. Additionally, some believe that these birds carry a promise of things to come.
What do doves mean spiritually?
Many people have reported feeling comforted by observing these birds. This supports the belief that they are a conduit to God and his angels. However, others believe that they are messages from a deceased loved one. Mourning Doves can symbolize many different things spiritually, but the main things they represent are visits from a loved one, angels, and God.
Are Doves Faithful?
Yes, Mourning Doves are very faithful. They are faithful birds and stay together for life. It is not uncommon to see a pair of these birds as the mated pairs are very attached. So much so that they are often seen cuddling.
What distinguishes a mourning dove from a regular dove?
Mourning Doves, named for their mournful cry, are significantly larger birds. They have significantly longer tails, while ground doves typically have much shorter tails. Furthermore, the two species have distinct differences in plumage, although their overall appearance is very similar.
Conclusion
Pigeons are lovable, resourceful, cheerful birds that are said to represent many different things. However, you will be glad to know that seeing a dove almost always means good things.
If you think a dove is trying to send you a message, make sure you pay attention to the bird’s behavior and how often you see them. This will help you determine exactly what they are trying to tell you.
