Doves mate for life. They symbolize purity, love, fidelity, prosperity and good luck. They are a symbol of peace in every major religion.
They were often used by God as messengers and representatives of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 3:22:
“the heavens were opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a
dove and alighting on Him.”
We use the term “dove” symbolically. The birds at Ceremonial Doves are actually White Homing Pigeons; also called White Racing Pigeons, or Rock Doves.
White Ringneck Doves (those normally found in pet stores) are dependent on humans for food. They have no skills to avoid predators, and they are not strong flyers. If released, these birds will most likely end up as a meal for a cat, a hawk, or some other predator. Releasing white Ringneck Doves is cruel and inhumane. Ceremonial Doves of Tidewater releases only well trained white homing pigeons.
Despite their reputation, pigeons are actually very clean animals and there is very little evidence to suggest that they are transmitters of disease.
Ceremonial Doves of Tidewater places the health and safety of our beloved doves first and foremost. For this reason, we adhere to a humane release policy with strict provisions to protect our birds from dangerous circumstances.
How do our doves find their way home?
Homing Pigeons have an uncanny ability that enables them to read the earth’s magnetic fields; in addition to this ability, they have a remarkable memory. Doves also use their sight, hearing, and possibly even their sense of smell to find their way home from hundreds of miles away.
Racing pigeons trained and conditioned are able to fly more than 500 miles at speeds over 60 mph. Racers can fly for 14-16 hours non-stop.
Don Kane
donkane62@verizon.net
Cell (757) 812-0247
