Christian/Religion Studies

The Dove:

The Dove has been seen as a symbol of peace for a long time. Sometimes the Dove is seen with an olive branch in its mouth in pictures and paintings. Genesis chapter 8, verse 8 Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground; Genesis chapter 8, verse 9 But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark. Genesis chapter 8, verse 10 And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark; Genesis chapter 8, verse 11 And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth. The Dove has been a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Matthew chapter 3, verse 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: The Dove and a Ship were seen as The symbol of Peace and the Church (Ship). The Dove or Turtle Dove can be symbols of peace and harmlessness.