Q.
How did the white dove come to symbolize peace?

.

A.

The peaceful white dove is rooted in the Bible.

As we see in the Book of Genesis: the earth has been battered by a deadly flood. Sensing that the waters may be pulling back, Noah releases a dove from the ark. When the dove finally flies back with an olive branch, Noah has hope. There must be dry land; this is a sign of peace and promise from God.

In the New Testament, we see what looks like a dove flying down when Jesus emerges from the Jordan after his baptism. From Matthew 3:16: ‘As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him.’

.

www.justcurious.ca

Header Photo: Jacob Spaccavento