Hitchhiker's Guide to Religion
The Dove
Sacred Symbol

The Dove

Dove

TraditionMeaning
BiblicalNoah’s dove returned with an olive branch = God’s peace after judgment (Gen 8:11)
ChristianThe Holy Spirit descended “like a dove” at Jesus’ baptism (Matt 3:16). Primary symbol of the Spirit
CatholicAppears in Trinity iconography; confirmation imagery; papal symbolism
JewishYonah (dove) = peace, purity, Israel itself. “My dove, my perfect one” (Song of Songs 6:9)
MasonicUsed in some degrees as a symbol of peace and innocence
EsotericThe descent of spirit into matter; the anima (soul)