Doves, symbol of love, peace, and purity. A relaxing scenery on a lovely day.

Across different cultures, the dove is often revered as a symbol of peace, love, and purity. In ancient Mesopotamia, the dove was associated with the goddess Ishtar, representing love, fertility, and protection. In ancient Greece, the dove was linked to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty And if you've ever wondered why doves are often released at weddings and ceremonies, it's because they represent love, too. "Doves mate for life and are considered a symbol of lasting love," says Harmon-Luber. Seeing two doves together is usually a sign of good luck in the love and relationships department. The dove was singled out to represent romance because Greek mythology associated the small, white bird with Aphrodite, the goddess of love (known in Roman mythology as Venus). Aphrodite/Venus is often depicted with doves fluttering around her or resting on her hand.