The Pigeon's Spiritual Meaning in
4 Big Cultures

What’s This Post About?

Individuals who believe in the spiritual side of the world are often strongly associated with their religious beliefs and tend to link them with spiritual meanings. For instance, a widespread belief is that pigeons have been present on earth for a long time.

They have been mentioned in many ancient stories to be a source of inspiration, carry information, and serve as a messenger of Gods. Hence, a spiritual connection has been drawn to them over time. Pigeons, in spiritual terms, symbolize prosperity, fertility, luck, fortune, and revolution.

Pigeons represent harmony, persistence, mercy, and wellness. In many traditions of different cultures such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Jewish, pigeons hold a symbolic position as they have a long history with Gods and spiritual teachings.

What Is the Spiritual Meaning Attached to Pigeons?

Pigeons and doves have powerful ideologies attached. So let’s examine what these birds mean spiritually and metamorphically.

Pigeons and doves commonly symbolize security, home, and belonging. In spiritual terms, they are messengers who carry messages to the other side and help the dead communicate with the living.

Spiritual meanings may differ across the globe amongst multiple cultures. For example, pigeons are calm creatures that bring peace, love, and kindness with them. While some may believe they bring in messages from the dead, others think they carry the ability of mental, emotional, and physical healing.

Traditional beliefs state that the cooing sound of pigeons and doves is somber, meaning that they reflect emotions mirroring difficult situations. Therefore, when a pigeon appears near you, it is best to analyze your life and compare the realities with your expectations.

Pigeons and dove both belong to the same family, but the spiritual meanings attached to them may differ within cultures. For example, while beautiful white doves are pure and blessed in some cultures, pigeons are seen as pests, dirty, or nasty.

Spiritualists have stated that in most cultures, pigeons are associated with strength, support, and unity as these birds are safest in a flock and stay within their community for support.

White Pigeons or Doves

White pigeons are considered different from grey pigeons in terms of spirituality. These birds represent happiness, love, honor, unity, and peace. In some cases, they reflect purity, honesty, and innocence.

We have also witnessed people releasing doves from cages in events and special occasions as a sign of peace. In addition, releasing doves at funerals is also a tradition followed by some, indicating the fact that the deceased spirit has found its peace.

Moreover, white pigeons mate for life which is why they are seen as a symbol of commitment, faith, and loyalty. In metaphoric terms, they signify a new beginning.

Therefore, both pigeons and doves have many spiritual meanings attached to them. Of course, they may differ depending on the individual beliefs. Still, the positivity that these birds bring with them stays the same.

What Superstitions Are Associated with Pigeons?

Let’s explore the superstitions that revolve around these gentle birds.

Most superstitious beliefs rise from Christianity. For example, if Christians see an isolated pigeon on a chimney, they believe it to be a bad omen. It can be defined as a symbol of death. Superstition doesn’t need to be negative; some are also positive.

Those who set pigeons free in funerals consider them as the soul of their loved one setting free towards the afterlife. Some also believe that if a pigeon poops on you, it is a sign of good luck.

Let’s discover other superstitions which are followed and firmly believed by people all around the world.

What Do Pigeons in Dreams Indicate?

Dreams may carry with them hidden messages that may affect the functions of your real life.

Pigeons in dreams can be interpreted both negatively and positively. Dreaming about something involving pigeons may come out as a warning or sign indicating you to change your current behavior, or the situation in the near future might end badly.

Pigeons are widely seen birds in many countries which is why dreaming about them is considered normal. But have you ever thought about your dreams and the hidden meaning behind them?

Let’s evaluate your pigeon dreams and understand what they mean spiritually.

Feeding A Pigeon

This dream can be interpreted as a warning. This may mean that you are investing your trust in the wrong person, which might end in betrayal.

Flying Pigeon

If you see a flying pigeon in your dream, it might mean that soon your siblings will ask you for a favor that you cannot deny. If the pigeon is flying away from you, then your sibling might not take no for an answer as an act against you.

Killing A Pigeon

This is not a good dream. If you kill a pigeon in your dream, it means you will be arguing with a close friend soon where you will say something negative to the other person.

Shooing a Pigeon

This symbolizes self-obsession. You prioritize yourself before others which might make you lose people. As a result, those who once cared about you and supported you may break off their friendship with you shortly.  

Dead Pigeon

This dream indicates you will find yourself in a complicated situation soon and will call for help; the friend will then ditch you at the last moment.

Pigeon Falling

You will receive bad news regarding something you had anticipated and prepared yourself for before.

What Are the Spiritual Cultural Differences of Pigeons?

Different cultures may have various interpretations. Keep reading to explore more.

Our planet consists of multiple civilizations that each have a different perception regarding pigeons and doves. For example, some cultures put pigeons in high regard due to their connection with ancient Gods and Goddesses, while some worship them.

Hinduism

Many religious groups like Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims, feed pigeons for religious reasons. Some groups in India firmly believe that when a loved one dies, they turn into a pigeon. Therefore, they feed birds to show care and affection for the departed souls.

In this culture, pigeons are said to embody Yama, the God of death. Therefore, Hindus do not fear pigeons or hurt them in any way. Instead, they worship these birds and associate them with revolution, rebirth, transformation, and redemption.

Egyptians

Pigeons are traditionally consumed as a dish in Egypt. Egyptians keep and rear pigeons for two reasons: food and sports.

Pigeons are held in high esteem and regard in the Egyptian culture as they believe pigeons carry good luck, longevity, fertility, and well-being.

Sumerian

Sumerian culture has its interpretation of pigeons and doves. Their Goddess of sexual relations and war (Ishtar) was signified with a pigeon or dove.

The West Semitic religion talks about a similar God-like being, Astarte, represented by the pigeon symbol. This is why pigeons are linked to royalty and passion in these cultures.

Christianity

Bible has instances where pigeons are mentioned. Pigeons and turtledoves were treated as sacrificial offerings to God, as stated by the bible. They are also associated as loyal messengers to humans and are considered a good omen.

According to Judaism, pigeons or doves symbolize people or the human spirit, as indicated in Hebrew by the word ‘Yonah,’ which means pigeon.

Greek

In ancient mythologies, pigeons were associated with the Goddess of pleasure, love, beauty, and passion. This is why people belonging to these civilizations started linking pigeons with love and purity.

Are Pigeons Referred to As Spirit Animals?

Pigeons mostly have a positive connotation attached to them. Is this why they are regarded as spirit animals?

Kind people with a pure heart can keep a positive mindset even in times of struggle. This primarily means that the spirit of pigeons is guiding you. According to spiritual believers, such people are loyal, trustworthy, and you can always bank on them.

Pigeon spirits are guiding these people. You can identify them with their inability to refuse and their persistent nature. These are the type of people committed to their work and have an intense fear of failure.

Pigeon spirits give these people the strength never to give up and the willpower that makes them an admirable and appealing personality to be with.

Additionally, it is observed that pigeon-spirited people are forgiving and far-sighted people. They tend to be good parents who are very protective and supportive of their children. With them, people can have meaningful conversations with a lot of experience and valuable tips.

If you are going through a rough patch and firmly believe in pigeon spirits, you can always call out to them in the following situations:

1. When you’re going through a very emotional phase where your past has been making it difficult for you to focus on your present, you can call the pigeon spirits to help the healing process and help you understand the realities of life, accepting both the bad and good sides of life.
2. When you are unwilling to forgive someone despite them seeking forgiveness from you, the pigeon-spirits believe in forgiveness, and they guide people to give the other person one chance. Forgiveness is essential for your peace more than that of the person who has wronged you.
   
3. When you feel distant from your loved ones, you might have lost the connection and bond with your parents or siblings, which was once so strong. The spirits will guide you by making you realize that this kind of life is not worth it. You need to get back in touch with your loved ones and make your bonds stronger than they were before.
   

Keep Reading!

Pigeons are common birds observed in multiple countries. They are fed openly or even domesticated for various reasons. People who believe in the spiritual world have strong beliefs associated with pigeons. These beliefs may vary from culture to culture according to religion, faith, ancient stories, etc.

Throughout history, people have symbolized pigeons and doves as a symbol of calmness, peace, unity, love, and compassion. They are known to be honorable birds that were once messengers from God.

This post talks about pigeons and their connection with the spiritual world, keeping in mind cultural differences. If you want to read more about pigeons, read this post next to know about albino pigeons.

The Rare Albino Pigeon! 6 Amazing Images And 14 FAQs

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Posted in: Understanding Birds