Dove Tattoo Meaning
The dove is one of the gentlest symbols in tattooing and one of the most meaningful in religious art. It speaks of peace, of the Spirit, and of a soul on its way to heaven.
Peace and the olive branch
In the story of Noah's ark, a dove returned to the ark with an olive leaf in its beak — the sign that the flood was over and life could begin again. A dove with an olive branch has stood for peace, hope and new beginnings ever since.
The Holy Spirit
In the Gospels the Holy Spirit descends on Christ at his baptism "like a dove". In Christian art a white dove surrounded by light, often above a figure of Christ or the Virgin Mary, is the image of the Holy Spirit. A dove in rays of light carries this meaning.
The memorial dove
A dove flying upward is one of the most common memorial tattoos: the soul of a loved one rising to heaven, often with a name, dates, a rosary or clouds. Two doves together can stand for a couple or for two people who are gone.
Love and loyalty
Doves mate for life, and in ancient Greece and Rome the dove belonged to the goddess of love. Two doves facing each other stand for faithful love.
Doves in black and grey
The white feathers of the dove are made with the open skin itself, and the light around it with soft shading — which suits black and grey perfectly. Doves fit the hand, the chest, the forearm and the shoulder, and they often fly above religious figures, clouds and gates of light in larger pieces.
Dove Tattoo Questions
What does a dove tattoo symbolize?
Peace, hope, the Holy Spirit, and often the soul of a loved one rising to heaven.
What does a dove with an olive branch mean?
Peace and new beginnings, from the story of Noah's ark.
What does a flying dove tattoo mean?
Usually a memorial — the soul of someone who has died rising to heaven.