What do white doves symbolize?

White doves typically symbolize peace, innocence, love and the Holy Spirit. They have been used as symbols in many cultures and religions over the centuries.

Doves as symbols of peace were mentioned in the Bible after the great flood. A dove brought back an olive leaf to Noah, showing that there was land above the water. Doves and olive branches were considered to symbolize peace after this.

In Roman times, white doves were sacrificed to Venus, the goddess of love. They were also considered sacred to the gods Adonis and Bacchus as the "First Begotten of Love."

In Judaism, the white dove, a sign of purity, was a sacrificial offering of purification at the Temple in Jerusalem.