What Is the Symbolic Meaning of Turtle Doves?

Many of us have heard the popular Christmas song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas." They appear early in the song, and we hear their names many times, but why are they there? What is their significance?

Turtle Doves and Christmas

Since we introduced turtle doves as related to Christmas, and since they are most well known as a symbol of Christmas, let us start there. Turtle doves are mentioned at many points in the Bible, and for Christians, the birth of Christ is the second most important event after the Resurrection. Interestingly, these turtle doves appear in the birth story of Christ.

Early in the Gospel of Luke, the author writes,

"And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, 'Every first born male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord'), and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, 'a pair of turtle doves and two young pigeons.'" (Luke 2:22-24)

You might be disturbed at the fact that turtle doves were mentioned as an object of sacrifice. However, you must remember that sacrificial offerings were quite popular in Biblical times. This action was not considered one of brutality, but rather one of great love, respect, and adoration for God. This is one way that turtle doves are a symbol of love.

Turtle Doves and Love

Turtle doves are also a symbol of great love, particularly that between a husband and a wife. Yet again, we see that this symbolism comes from the Bible. In the Song of Solomon, in the Old Testament, the following verses are written:

"My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land” (Song of Solomon 2:10-12)

When the spring, new life, and love come, the turtle doves are mentioned.

Turtle doves are believed to stay with their partner for life. Therefore, the connection between turtle doves and a married couple is clear, especially in the context of the Christian tradition, where the marriage vows require the partners to promise to remain faithful to only one another for the rest of their lives.

Religion and Turtle Doves

As you can see from reading this information, the symbolism of the turtle dove derives directly from both the Old Testament and the New Testament in the Bible. When Jesus Christ was born, the turtle doves were offered as sacrifice. Love between marriage partners is strongly connected to these types of birds.

Even if you are not religious or are of a different faith, these beautiful birds can still have a deep meaning to you as a symbol of love that is willing to face all hardships and to cherish one another always.