Dove as a Christian Symbol -- Early Christian Symbols of the Ancient Church

Dove as a Christian Symbol

by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
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Dove with olive branch in mouth, plus Chi-Rho

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