Dove as a Christian Symbol
by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
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on Colossians after Easter

Inscription of Bincentia,
flanked by theChi-Rho symbol, basket
(indicating good works), and dove with olive branch;
Catacomb of S. Sebastiano, Rome. Showing
inscription |
Early Christians often had a dove on their tombs as a symbol
of the peace and happiness of the soul. The olive branch symbol
comes from the story of Noah, who after the flood dispatched a
dove to find dry land and finally returned with an olive branch
in its mouth (Genesis 8:11).
Occassionally in the earliest Christian art the dove is used as a
symbol of the Holy Spirit. Of course, later it was very common.
-
Sarcophagus in Santa Maria Antiqua, Rome (c. 270 AD) shows a
baptism scene overlooked by a dove, obviously representing the
Holy Spirit.
- Fresco of doves decoration arching over tomb area. Catacombs.
-
Fresco of doves, vase, and palm branches, catacombs.
-
Small clay lamps with Christian symbols were found in the
catacombs also.
-
Fresco of doves, peacock, partridge? with a bowl of fruit,
Catacombs of St. Sebastian, Rome, decoration of a columbarium,
third century.
Another.

The inscription in pace ("in peace") with the
dove and orante describe the
peaceful state of the dead in Christ. |

Two anchors a dove with an olive sprig in its
mouth (top left), with an olive tree (right). |
Early Christian Symbols of the Ancient Church
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