Dove Tattoo Symbolism
Dove Tattoo Symbolism
(at-a-glance):
- Love
- Hope
- Faith
- Truth
- Peace
- Trust
- Purity
- Guidance
- Calmness
- Protection
- Inspiration
- Spirituality
- Redemption
- Motherhood
- Transcendence
- Divine Messages
- Virginal Qualities
The dove flies through infinite realms of legend, lore and myth – charting a vast migratory path of symbolism.
In Christianity, we see the dove prominently featured with both Christ, and his mom, Mary. In this light, the dove is a symbol of divine inspiration (messages from divine realms). In Christian wisdom, the dove is also a symbol of faith and sacrifice. It’s considered a noble attribute and portrays purity in faith. Does your soul yearn to aspire to the highest heights of your Christian faith? A dove tattoo might be a gentle testimony to your spiritual devotion.
We see the dove in Arthurian legend too. Where the dove is depicted in art pertaining to King Arthur, it is synonymous with the Holy Grail. As a symbol of the Grail, the dove represents everlasting life, purity of intent and the vessel of higher knowing. I talk a little bit more about this aspect on my Dove Symbolim in the Tarot page.
The dove gets its peace symbolism from countless sources. From Christianity to Celtic myth, the dove seems to be a universal symbol of well-being. I particularly like its appearance with Hachiman, a Japanese war god. It’s alliance with this war monger deity marks a time of peace after battle. Are you fighting for a grand cause? Perhaps a dove might be a tattoo to convey light at the end of your plight and a time of rest after much toil.
Are you a mom? You might be interested to know the dove is a symbol of motherhood. It’s associated with the Mother Mary, Ishtar and Aphrodite/Venus – all divine mothers of their time. Doves were fabled to have fed Zeus – a nutritive and motherly gesture. A little-known fact about doves is they produce a kind of milk to feed their fledgling young. It’s an odd trait, but our ancestors recognized this unique ability of the dove and ever since, the dove has been a tantamount symbol of a good mother. So, if you take great pride in being a supportive mom, a dove tattoo might be a perfect symbol to convey this special joy.
Migrate to similar symbolism on your personal flight for more tattoo meanings:
Dove Symbolism (a full page devoted to dove meanings on Whats-Your-Sign.com)
More Dove Symbolism (including Native American thoughts on the dove) on my blog.
