What is Dove Release?
Dove Release or more specifically a White Dove Release has numerous levels of meaning, symbolism and of course, ways of participating. In its simplest form, it is the releasing of live white doves into the air after a Service; be it a Cremation, a Burial, interment of ashes or even scattering of ashes.
There are five species of doves in the UK (around 350 worldwide.) The White Doves that are used for White Dove Release are specially bred, and are white homing pigeons. They are domesticated forms of the Rock Dove. They have very strong homing instincts for their loft and owner.
Symbolism and Significance of White Dove Release
The symbolic practices and beliefs at funerals will differ from family to family, person to person along with cultural dogmas, views, wishes and needs.
Various Funeral ritual symbols include, but not limited to: the use of candles, flowers, and music (during a Service or after a Service). Dove Release is one such practice and ritual. It is tangible, visual and can be very tactile and are usually used after a Service.
White Dove Release can be witnessed, or be an action that you, your family, friends (or those that wish to participate), can become involved in.
A White Dove Release can give all the participants a real sense of connection with the natural world. Those physically releasing the doves will feel as if they are part of Mother Nature; holding a live, beautiful, delicate dove and then releasing it to the elements can give people a sense of awe, wonder and ‘good feeling’ about themselves and what they have done. This is all conducted in a safe, secure and beautiful surrounding.
The release not only refers to releasing the dove, but also to the person that has recently departed.
Benefits of White Dove Release
There are numerous benefits of White Dove Release for those left behind, be they holding and letting a dove fly from their hands or being an onlooker, watching the whole ritual unfold. This does not have to be a religious affair at all – it can be totally secular.
Benefits to you can include:
Traditionally, a White Dove Release in many civilizations and societies symbolizes love, peace, hope and from a religious perspective, transcendence; the ascent of the departed one’s Soul to Heaven and to the life after.
For those not so religious, letting go of the dove in their hands symbolize or gives a feeling of freedom and a new beginning to the person that has passed away. They are no longer tied to this earth and are moving-on. They are set free to be with, perhaps a loved one that has already died some time ago, or perhaps set free from the pain they may have suffered in the last months or years of their lives.
Grief effects everyone differently. It can be felt as soon as the moment of death occurs. It may take weeks or months to start or manifest itself.
The Funeral Service for some, is the Closure they need. For others it may not be enough, no matter how ‘good the Service was’. Participating in the Dove Release itself can for many people be extremely cathartic, liberating, cleansing and therapeutic. It can be just the Closure they are looking for. Everyone is different and handles grief differently.
From physically letting go of a white dove, to watching its wings flap and then soar into the air high above your head; it can give or help in the final chapter – that of Closure.
Another word is ‘Acceptance’. The dove has flown. It’s purity in spirit can be seen. For some, that visual experience is like nothing else they have ever witnessed or been part of. You are Celebrating the Life of a loved one and this is one of the final Acts you can perform in honouring and respecting them.
The connection with Nature cannot be underestimated. We look at birds, wildlife in our gardens, parks and in the countryside. But to physically hold a bird in our hands for many, is a new experience and one to be cherished. It can bring-home to people how fragile nature around us is; how close but how far we are away from nature. Many people have been touched by the experience and have a more positive approach to life afterwards.
It is a truly grounding feeling or event for many people. White Dove Release is also part of an important healing process – both mental and physiological.
Grief, letting-go, acceptance, connecting with nature - are all mental states we need to confront and try to get to grips with, in order to ‘move forward’. A White Dove Release is all part of life’s rich encounters we can be involved in if we want – this includes taking part in the actual Dove Release itself.
The emotional state we are in at a Funeral can be overwhelming; be it of total love, a feeling of complete and utter loss, anger as well as, and including a whole range of negative emotions and feeling. These can be devastating, consuming, crushing and overpowering. The ritual of a White Dove Release can in many cases provide new, positive, inspirational considerations and contemplations – all leading to good thoughts. Letting go, is such a powerful and empowering emotion.
How to choose the number of Doves to release?
There are no set number of Doves one should have at a White Dove Release. Each person that wants to release a dove, should (finances and logistics willing). They should be able to hold one gently and let it go at the appropriate time.
In symbolism terms, the releasing of doves is an intense, moving and impressive ritual. It is for many people a symbol and re-enforcement of Hope and Comfort. It can be for religious or non-religious (secular) reasons. We all feel in our own way and different way. If done correctly, it is a beautiful, poignant, sensitive, and emotive event.
The Number of doves has different meanings:
The first dove released symbolizes the spirit of the person. They are now on their final journey; the dove is the symbol of this, carrying them and wishing them a safe journey.
The second dove denotes two souls reuniting; on their way to joining the first person who is no longer with us.
In a Christian, religious perspective, three doves released embodies the Holy Trinity (God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit).
Four doves released symbolizes The Holy Trinity (as mentioned above) along with a fourth dove signifying the spirit of the person just passed away.
A flock of doves can be released. This can be as many Doves as you wish (within reason). Each person releasing a dove (be it a family member or friends) are individually saying their own goodbye, ‘have a safe journey’ and ‘we will always’ remember you. It is a palpable, tangible feeling and action.
How a Dove Release is conducted (ideas)
There are no set way or procedures for Dove Release. Each person and family member will have their own feelings, thoughts and emotions at the time of Release. We can discuss this aspect of the Service if you wish and how you would like it done. I can naturally suggest ideas and ways of doing things.
Just as an idea, doves can be released all at the same time. A joint participation. Standing in a row or an arc, someone will cue the timing for everyone to let go of the dove. Another way is to release them is in a ‘Mexican Wave’ format; literally one at a time and one after the other until, the have all flown. The location, the situation, time of day and how people are feeling, will to a point dictate how the Release is to be handled.
Realistically, as well as a fitting goodbye, a very minimum of four-five doves should be released. In most situations, between 6 and 8 is a good number to have. Having close family members release their own dove creates an emotion of involvement, participation and not only helps in the grief process, but can be part of the healing process too. As the old saying goes, safety in numbers. The more doves (within reason) the safer and comfortable the participants feel. With just two or three doves to release, people can feel everyone’s eyes are on them – making them nervous and not wanting to ‘do something wrong’.
Crematorium Celebration of Life Service.
Generally, a White Dove Release will take place after the Celebration of Life Service in the Crematorium. At the end of the Service, the attendees will leave by the exit door from the chapel and congregate outside. The location of the White Dove Release can be at the Crematorium or at another venue entirely; in a park, beside a lake, in a pub garden… wherever you choose. You are not limited by tradition or what others have done in the past. Thinking ‘outside the box’ can make the Dove Release exciting, different and meaningful. Was the person a gardener, a Rambler, a Footballer or Netballer or a lover of other sports or hobbies. Picking a location to release the doves is very personal and intimate.
When everyone has arrived at the place you wish to have the White Dove Release, a short Service can be conducted. It does not have to follow the format or repeat what has been said at The Celebration of Life Service. It does not have to be religious. It can be totally different to the Service you have just sat through. Being creative and ‘Thinking-off-the-wall’ about the person you are symbolising in the Doves can be electrifying, breathtaking, moving and quite exhilarating – if you want it to be. There are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ ways (ideas wise) to releasing the Doves.
Ideas could include in the Service (a loose term):
- A Poem recited,
- A personal Tribute (or Tributes) can be given (read by yourselves or even by me if you wish)
- A Prayer or Bible reading can be read/recited
- A Reading from a Book
- A song sung
- A piece of music played – be it recorded or played on a musical instrument
- Memories recounted by a few people
- Placing of Memories (on a small piece of paper) into a Memory Jar (just before the Release)
There are a myriad of options and ideas.
Once the Service part is completed, it is time to Release the Doves
Practical considerations of White Dove Release
Many people are worried or afraid of doing something they have never done before, which is pretty normal. This includes handling a dove.
Each person that wishes to release a dove is carefully and slowly shown how to handle the dove. It is not difficult or dangerous (to you or the bird – they don’t bite!) The birds are well trained and are used to being handled.
The Doves will first be taken out of a wicker basket.
Each person is then given a Dove to hold ready for release. When everyone has a dove in their cupped hands, a few words of parting or a Dove Release poem is said or recited and, on a command, each person holding a dove will release their cupped hands and ‘push’ the bird into the sky (to give them a helping hand to fly off). This is the ‘altogether’ method. We can discuss how you would like it done – released separately, in twos, in threes or possibly all together. There are many options.
The birds having come from a basket (before given to you), need to get their bearings. Like the Red Arrows, they will (on most occasions) ‘do a fly by’ . It could be once, twice or sometimes more before flying off in the direction of their Dove loft. This can be spectacular to see. At one Dove Release, a bird was put into the hands of a very young boy (five or six years old). The bird twitched, the young boy was so startled, he let the bird fly. It soared by itself into the air. The Handler then asked all the others present, on the count of three to let their birds go. Which they did. The sight of one bird then followed by another 5 birds was just magical, majestic and awe-inspiring. The birds joined as a flock, circled twice around the area, found their bearings and headed home. It was a very captivating and special moment.
Interment of Ashes or scattering of Ashes with a White Dove Release
We will all assemble at the place where the ashes are to be scattered or interred.
The Celebrant, Vicar or religious person conducting this Service will read from their prepared Service script.
As above, a poem, a Tribute, a Prayer, a Bible reading can be read if wished. Again, it does not have to be religious; it can be totally secular or humanist.
The procedure can or will then be exactly the same for releasing the Doves as just mentioned.
Burial Service with a White Dove Release
The Celebration of Life Service can be held just about anywhere these days – not just in a church or Crematorium. This is something I advocate. Having conducted many Services over the last decade in different places, a Service in the deceased’s garden or a place they loved, creates a touching, moving and superb as well as fitting place to say Goodbye. A Church or Crematorium can be to some, very impersonal and eery. The Service does not have to be before the burial it can be after, if you wish.
Once the Service has finished (if this is your choice), the deceased will be taken to the gravesite. Once again, this could be in a cemetery (graveyard), Natural Burial Ground, or a place of your choosing (with permission of course). Once again as a guide, the above procedure will be followed for the White Dove Release.
Note: nothing is set in stone, the actual Dove Release, the words used, the actions performed and so forth can be tailored to what you would like to say your goodbyes for a good send-off. I will work with you and create the Service, event or atmosphere you wish. There are no set rules.
History of Dove Release
The Goddess Isis, 5,000 years ago in Egypt was closely aligned to doves. This was the first recorded evidence of Doves. Isis was a symbol, an icon of motherhood, purity and divine communication according to hieroglyphics on the ancient Pyramid walls. Temples in Luxor and Thebes show carvings of doves indicating their use in offerings and rituals.
In the UK, it was not until Queen Victoria’s era (1837-1901) that the use of doves became prevalent. Emulating the Egyptian theme, doves symbolized everlasting love and of course, purity. It became popular with Royalty and wealthy Victorians.
Doves were often used in fashionable Victorian funerals – almost as a status symbol but not entirely.
The Victorians were very much influenced and fascinated (obsessed) in, and with spiritualism. This perhaps stemmed from Queen Victoria’s own long-lasting captivation and interest when Prince Albert died in 1861. From his death, she always wore mourning black. His death was something she never got over. Doves fitted right-in with this theme of hope and purity. This popularity was in certain quarters, boosted.
Moving on to the 1920 Olympics in Antwerp, this was the first modern documented evidence that Doves were used as a sign of purity and peace. From then on, each Olympic Games had a Dove Releasing part to play in the opening ceremony. All this came to an end at the Seoul Summer Olympics in 1988.
A flock of doves were released in their usual manner. They flew (instead of out of the stadium) to an isolated spot in the arena - the Olympic Cauldron before it was lit.
Unaware to the Lighting Bearers, as they lit the Cauldron with their Olympic torches – the Olympic Flame burst fiercely into the night’s sky. As the flame ignited, unfortunately several Doves were set a light and perished. From then on Doves were never used again in the Olympic Opening Night Ceremony. The Seoul lighting ceremony can be still seen on Youtube.
Despite this, the idea of Dove Release flourished in the UK.
The Victorians had universalized the symbolism of Doves in funerals. It was not until the twentieth Century that the practice had become more formalized, with meaning, reasoning and being a part of the Funeral process. It was no longer for just Royalty and the Wealthy. As a result, White Dove Release grew in popularity with a greater understanding of what it meant and symbolised.
Creating the Dove Release, YOU want
Releasing a Dove is an emotional and a cathartic act. It is not something that should take 30-seconds and leave for a Wake, party or the pub immediately. It can be this way if you wish, but this is not the true purpose.
It is a very visual activity and tactile thing to perform. It is fun after all! You will never forget the experience. It has massive psychological advantages and values if conducted right.
The Dove Release should be memorable; a shared experience with others – family, friends and others either joining-in or watching. It is not a solitary act.
Most of all, it is the start of a Closure procedure for each person, or for some, it is The Closure they are seeking. The final act: knowing the person represented or symbolized by the dove is on their way.
The Dove release should take place in day light (during the day) and not at night for safety reasons – yourselves and the Doves. Although we cannot control the weather, if the day brings inclement weather (torrential rain, high gusts of winds, extreme cold and so forth), for practical and sensible reasons, the White Dove Release may be postponed until the weather gets better for the sake of the Doves and people attending the Release.
There are many, many ideas as we have alluded to earlier. Here are just a very few (there are many more):
- Memory Jar
A jar can be brought along with scraps of small pieces of paper and pens for everyone to write down one memory, or a personal message. These can be kept by the family or read out at the Wake, Celebration of Life party after the Dove Release. This does not have to be a long, drawn-out procedure but a quick, interesting, fun and poignant thing to do.
- Candles
Lighting of a candle or multiple candles is a symbol of hope, remembrance, lighting the way and purity for the departed. Candles can be lit before the Dove Release takes place. A poem or relevant piece can be read. Naturally if it is beginning to rain or a wind is blowing – the candles will extinguish pretty fast. There are ways around this…
- Video and photographs
A short video by a family member could be filmed/made. From leaving the Chapel (or wherever the Service took place) to the holding of the Doves, and when released - filming the doves flying off. Put together with a nice soundtrack, it would make a beautiful tribute and memory – a happy memory as well as a lasting memory for future generations.
The Birds
Most birds used for White Dove Release after a Service are not true ‘doves’, but are specially bred White Homing Pigeons.
The standard dove – also called a Rock Dove - (Columba livia domestica) the one we see in illustrations, pictures and in books and so forth, is small in comparison and has very limited homing capabilities (if at all). Racing pigeons are arguably not as cute, pretty or as beautiful looking as the cross-bred Doves (except if you own Racing Pigeons no doubt). Their ability to cover great distances and be accurate in flight, direction and navigating is way beyond the capability of the domestic dove.
These Racing Pigeons are specifically cross bred for their white colour and very strong homing behaviour. They are trained from a young age to fly home. Releasing them from your hands on the day, sets them free to fly back to the safely of their loft. They will get home. It is natural and easy for them (their own built-in Sat Nav).
Over the decades selective breeding has created this instinct in them; good, route-finding and direction-finding qualities. They are able navigate to their home from distances of up to or around 60 miles. The record apparently is close to 600 miles. This is naturally down to training and the abilities of their owner (and the bird).
The well-being, safety and security of each bird is paramount. Each of the birds are trained (with ‘training exercises’) over a long period of time. Each fly-back length is extended every time they go out training until they are ready and can fly the distances required.
There is no one company in the UK covering the whole of the country. I use a small number of reputable, honest and decent companies that cover the Midlands only. We do have contacts however, with most Dove Companies in the UK (built up over the past ten years), so we can point you in the right direction or organize it for you.
Like being a Funeral Celebrant, having the right White Dove Release company that is competent, professional, trustworthy and decent is so, so important. I do not deal with every Dove Release company for the same reason I do not work with every Funeral Director. Our industry is just like every other in the UK – there are good people and there are not so good people.
Hire a White Dove Release
Although I am a Funeral Celebrant, I do hire out Doves for Weddings and various other events in the Midlands. The first thing to do is contact me - either by mobile, phone, email or text or better still, send a request by the CONTACT form on this website. There is no obligation. Just give me as much detail as you can about your event and I can advise and give a price.