The White Dove As A Messenger Of The Dead

Dan left the following comment on my blog post Receiving White Feathers From The Dead. It's not strictly about white feathers - though it is in a way, but the feathers are still attached to a white dove.

Mike,

I have a story about a white dove if doves mean anything.

One day I came home from work and a white dove was perched on the steps that lead up to the front door of my house. No doves or birds of any kind were ever previously on my steps.

This white dove would not move to let me by. I made noises, waved my hand, stared at the dove ... nothing happened.

Finally I went in the back door of my house. I looked out the window and this one lone white dove was still on the front steps at 4pm and 5pm and 6pm.

At 7pm that night I received an urgent phone call saying my aunt had suddenly passed away that afternoon. I looked out the window one last time and the dove flew away never to come back at all on any day.

I dont know for sure if that means anything but I think it does.

Thanks,
Dan

I think that Dan's comment speaks for itself so I'll simply add three references to white doves.

~ 1 ~ According to Symbolic and Mythological Animals by J. C. Cooper, "The white dove is one of the most venerated creatures, symbolizing the spirit, the soul, bringing the spirit down to the earth and the transit between one state and another."

~ 2 ~ During the canonization ceremony of Christian Saints, white doves are released to represent the soul rising to heaven.

~ 3 ~ In Christian Iconography, a white dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit.