The Dove at Christmas

Believe it or not, the dove was more popular than the cross as a symbol of Christianity, especially in the 4th century. In art and iconography, the dove was always portrayed having divine and mystical powers. In the Middle East and around the Mediterranean, it represented a female-Goddess. In Cyprus there is a temple dedicated to this female-Goddess with many doves included in the facade. In Roman times, the goddesses Venus and Fortunata always were portrayed with a dove on their hands or on their head.  In the Jewish religion, the dove represents the spirit of God. We also know that Noah used a dove to see if the waters have receded after the flood. Three times he sent a dove, and when she did not show up the third time, Noah knew that land has reappeared. The dove was also considered as a symbol of fertility, remorse and sacrifice especially around the 4th century. The Annunciation of Mary was attributed to a dove as the symbol of the Holy Spirit, as Mary is frequently pictured with a dove hovering around her or above her. Mary and Joseph offered a pair of turtle-doves at the presentation at the Temple. A dove also appeared as the Holy Spirit at Jesus’ baptism at the Jordan River. Recently Andy Warhol included a dove in a painting of the Last Supper, with the dove on Jesus’ head, symbolizing the Holy Spirit saying “We bring good things to light,” a motto probably referring to the Dove soap.