For centuries, humans have been fascinated with turtle doves. They have appeared in a variety of realms of art, literature, and religion. Their image has come to represent love, devotion, and purity. But what does a turtle dove symbolize?
The symbolism of the turtle dove is linked to its gentle nature, cooing sound, and appearance. The turtle dove is a symbol of love, loyalty, and devotion. It represents purity, innocence, and peace in various contexts throughout history. The turtle dove’s cooing sound and gentle demeanor have contributed to its reputation as a peaceful and innocent creature.
Turtle doves have been a significant symbol in various cultures, literature, and religions throughout history. In this article, we will explore the symbolism of turtle doves, their importance in different contexts, and their association with positive emotions and values.
Key takeaways
- The turtle dove symbolism is associated with love, loyalty, and devotion, making them a popular choice in various cultures and contexts.
- They are also seen as symbols of purity, innocence, and peace, representing positive emotions and values.
- The turtle dove’s gentle nature and cooing sound have contributed to its reputation as a peaceful and innocent creature, further reinforcing its symbolic significance.
Contents
What does a turtle dove symbolize?
The turtle dove symbolism has been related to various emotions and values throughout history. Its symbolic significance is associated with love, loyalty, and devotion.
Similarly to the white dove, the turtle dove is often used as a representation of romantic love, particularly in poetry and literature, where it is seen as a symbol of fidelity and lasting commitment.
In Greek mythology, the turtle dove symbolism is associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. The bird was said to have been her favorite, and it is often depicted in ancient art as a symbol of her power and grace.
The turtle dove is a sign of loyalty and love in Chinese culture, and it is frequently used in weddings to symbolize the bride and groom’s love and devotion.
In Japanese culture, the turtle dove is associated with longevity, and it is often seen as a symbol of a long and happy life and it’s highly related to the monkey symbolism.
Here are the most common interpretations of turtle dove symbolism:
1. Peace and harmony
The symbolism of turtle doves extends beyond love and purity to also encompass peace and harmony.
In Christianity, they represent the Holy Spirit and are commonly depicted alongside the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus.
Additionally, turtle doves are believed to bring good luck and blessings in certain cultures, serving as a symbol of hope and positivity.
2. Renewal and new beginnings
Turtle doves are associated with rejuvenation and new beginnings in several cultures.
As migratory birds, they return to their nesting grounds every year, signaling the start of a new breeding season and a new beginning.
3. Sacrifice and resurrection
Turtle dove symbolism also represents sacrifice and resurrection in Christianity. In the Old Testament, they were offered as a purification sacrifice for women after childbirth.
Just like the grey dove in the New Testament, they were among the offerings that could be made at the temple in Jerusalem.
What does it mean when a turtle dove visits you?
If a turtle dove visits you, it can be seen as a positive sign. These birds are often associated with love, loyalty, and devotion, so their presence may be an indication of these qualities in your life.
Additionally, turtle dove symbolism is believed to bring good luck and blessings in some cultures, so their visit could be interpreted as a good omen.
In other cases, the appearance of a turtle dove may simply be a natural occurrence, as these birds are migratory and may pass through your area during their travels.
However, if you feel a strong connection to the symbolism of turtle doves, their visit could hold a deeper meaning for you.
It’s important to pay attention to your intuition and feelings when interpreting signs and symbols, as they can often provide valuable insights into your life and experiences.
Turtle dove’s spiritual meaning
Turtle doves hold spiritual significance in various cultures and religions. In general, turtle doves are seen as a symbol of new beginnings and renewal.
They remind us to let go of old habits and embrace new opportunities. As spiritual messengers, they encourage us to cultivate love, peace, and harmony in our lives and relationships.
In many cultures, the turtle dove symbolism represents the goddess of love, fertility, and nurturing, such as the Greek goddess Aphrodite, the Roman goddess Venus, and the Egyptian goddess Isis.
In Christianity, they are associated with the Holy Spirit and represent purity, love, and sacrifice. The doves are often depicted alongside the Virgin Mary and Jesus in religious art.
The turtle dove’s spiritual meaning also holds spiritual significance in Hinduism, where they, alongside the mourning dove, are believed to symbolize loyalty, devotion, and longevity.
The birds are associated with the god Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi, who represent love and prosperity.
What is the spiritual meaning of 2 turtle doves?
The spiritual meaning of two turtle doves is often associated with the concept of balance and partnership.
It emphasizes the importance of working together and maintaining balance in various aspects of life.
It is believed that the presence of two turtle doves together represents the need for cooperation and teamwork in achieving a common goal.
Additionally, in some cultures, the number two is considered to be a symbol of duality and the importance of maintaining a harmonious balance between opposing forces, such as yin and yang or light and dark.
What does turtle dove mean in the Bible?
In Christianity, the turtle dove is associated with purity and sacrifice, representing the Holy Spirit and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
In the Bible, it is mentioned in the Song of Solomon as a symbol of love and devotion between two lovers.
It is also associated with the story of Noah’s Ark, where a pair of turtle doves were released to find dry land, signifying hope and a new beginning.
Here are some quotes explaining turtle doves meaning in Bible:
- Song of Solomon 2:12 – “The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.”
- Leviticus 12:8 – “And if she cannot afford a lamb, then she shall take two turtledoves or two pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. And the priest shall make atonement for her, and she shall be clean.”
- Luke 2:24 – “And to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”
- Psalm 74:19 – “Do not deliver the soul of your dove to the wild beasts; do not forget the life of your poor forever.”
What is the biblical meaning of two turtle doves?
In the Bible, two turtle doves were often used as offerings in religious ceremonies.
For example, in the book of Leviticus, it is prescribed that a woman who has given birth must offer a burnt offering and a sin offering.
As part of the sin offering, she is to bring two turtle doves or two young pigeons to the priest.
In the New Testament, when Mary and Joseph take Jesus to the temple for his dedication, they offer two turtle doves or two young pigeons as a sacrifice, according to the law of Moses.
Turtle dove meaning in love
When it comes to love, the turtle dove symbolizes loyalty, devotion, and a deep emotional connection, and it’s quite the opposite of what the wolf symbolizes.
Indeed, the turtle dove meaning in love has long been connected with love and marriage, and it is frequently used as a symbol of the love that exists between two individuals.
The turtle dove is said to be a monogamous bird, which means that it mates for life and remains loyal to its partner.
This is why the turtle dove is often used as a symbol of fidelity and faithfulness in romantic relationships.
What are turtle doves of friendship?
In the movie “Home Alone 2”, turtle doves of friendship were used as a symbol between two characters.
The quote “turtle doves are a symbol of friendship and love” is a popular reference from the movie.
The exchange of the two turtle doves was meant to represent a lasting bond between friends, and a reminder to always cherish and appreciate the people we hold dear in our lives.
Tattoo meaning
Turtle dove tattoos are a popular choice for those seeking a symbol of peace, love, and harmony.
In general, the tattoo represents a commitment to these values, as well as to relationships, loyalty, and devotion.
The turtle dove tattoo meaning can also be associated with new beginnings and the start of a new chapter in life.
Some people may choose to include other symbolic elements in their turtle dove tattoo, such as a heart or an infinity symbol, to further emphasize these meanings.
The placement of the tattoo can also have significance, with some people choosing to have it on the wrist or chest as a constant reminder of these important values.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about turtle dove symbolism:
What do 2 turtle doves symbolize?
The Old and New Testaments were represented by two turtle doves. Three French chickens represented faith, hope, and love. The four calling birds were Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John’s gospels. The five golden rings were symbolic of the Torah, or Law, which included the first five books of the Old Testament.
What is the spiritual meaning of a dove?
A dove is a symbol of reconciliation, forgiveness, and peace in the Bible’s Old Testament. After the deluge, a dove returned to Noah with an olive leaf, according to the Book of Genesis. Hearing the cooing of a mourning dove might be interpreted as a summons to seek and discover inner peace.
Final thoughts
To summarize, turtle dove symbolism is broad and diverse, covering love, purity, peace, harmony, renewal, sacrifice, and resurrection throughout cultures and religions.
Their soft cooing and friendly nature have won them a particular place in many people’s hearts, making them a prominent subject of art, literature, and mythology.
Please contact me if you have any questions or comments on turtle dove symbolism. Also, don’t forget to follow me on social media for more articles like this.
Hi.
My name is Robert. I lost my mum to cancer in December 2020. My mum and I were very close. Since she passed I believed strongly that one day she would send me a sign to say that she is happy in her next life. My Mum loved birds and fed them in her garden and enjoyed bird watching. Recently a single Turtle Dove visited our garden in the far Southwest of Cornwall. Now it is rare to see Turtle Doves in the UK these days and even rarer for them to visit Cornwall. This Turtle Dove visited our garden twice a day for about ten days. On the final day of its visit it appeared to be patiently waiting perched on a plant pot, for our return from an outing. it appeared not to be too wary of me so I joined it in the garden sitting a few feet away. after eating for a few moments it perched on the bird bath close to my garden seat. as I watched it, it glanced my way a few times and I saw it gently moving its beak as if it was speaking to me. After about ten minutes the Turtle Dove took to the wing and flew for the last time from my garden. it has not returned since. during the time the Dove was here, my Sister was visiting Cornwall and spent some time with us (from Sussex). Also the house next door is a holiday home and we got to know the visitors staying there. They had come from their home in Northern Ireland. My Mum was born and grew up in Northern Ireland. Finally, I must add that several times the dove came inside our home. Very unusual. I am convinced my Mum sent the Turtle Dove to visit us and it brings me great comfort, Obviously others including my partner are sceptical. Can I have your thoughts? Thank You.
I had a similar experience one day I missed my parents that had passed on and I also needed direction. As I got home the Turtle dove was across the street at my neighbors house by the mail box. I had a special occurrence happen there and I thought about a lot things it meant. I did feel immediate peace and happiness. I too was very close to my Mom and I had always asked her to please visit me if she could. I shared the picture on social media of me next to the dove as it didn’t fly away or was not scared of me. My best friend commented she remembered the doves from my mothers funeral service.