Doves and Heart

The use of the dove as a symbol of peace predates any Christian usage. The dove was a symbol of peace and long life to the ancient Chinese. The ancient Egyptians held the dove to symbolize quiet innocence. These two examples and a number of other references across a number of other cultures all go further back than the use by Christians. A case could be made for the voice of the dove being the manner after which this easy-going little avian made its way into the hearts of the ancient peoples who came to love it. And it may be part of the reason we look kindly at the dove today.