Dove tattoos are very popular form of body art as of late and are worn by both men and women in Toronto and Vancouver. Dove tattoo meaning can range from the very simple to the very complex in nature. Likewise, doves have been portrayed both alone and with a wide array of symbols. As a symbol, the dove is one of the most widely known throughout the world. Typically, the dove symbolizes peace and love, but it also embodies a wide list of other uplifting and positive meanings. Male doves mate with one partner for their entire lives. The mated pair will then go on to take care of their young together. Therefore, they represent both devotion and unwavering love. Truly, the bond between the pair of doves is an enduring partnership that is faithful and lifelong.

What is the Significance of the Dove?

Mythological Significance

In Greek and Roman mythology, the Greek goddess, Aphrodite, was said to be carried in a chariot driven by doves. Also, all seven of her daughters are referred to as a flock of doves. The Aztec’s believed that the goddess of love, Xochiquetzal, was a representation of the dove. The dove also has importance in Native American culture as some tribes believed that doves are transformed spirits of the dead. And today, many American Indians use the dove tattoo to show this association.

Early Christianity

Traditionally, in Christianity, the dove holding the olive branch represents peace and harmony. The dove is also associated with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. In fact, many pieces of Christian art depict Jesus surrounded by flocks of doves.

Messengers of God

Look around the internet and you will be sure to find many stories about doves carrying messages from God. The dove is commonly seen as a symbol of victory, God’s will, love and peace.

Beginnings

Doves, as in the ones from the story of Noah and the Arc, represent fresh starts and new beginnings. Therefore, dove tattoos often symbolize starting over.

Victories

Tattoos depicting a dove holding an olive branch in its talons represents both victory and success. Many people will often get this tattoo to symbolize successes in both relationships and life.

Family Bonds

Since both the male and female dove mate for life and take care of their family together, getting a tattoo with a dove or a mated pair of doves can represent a commitment to both your family and children.

What are Some Meanings of the Dove Tattoo?

As stated earlier, the dove tattoo can mean just about anything to anyone who chooses to get it inked on their body. Whatever the meaning, know that there is always a special significance behind it. Some common meanings of the dove tattoo are:

• Love
• Harmony
• Bonding
• Family
• Success
• Rebirth
• Monogamy
• Partnership
• Freedom
• Hope
• Victory
• World Peace
• New beginnings
• Free Spirit
• Joy
• Beauty
• Dedication
• Faith
• Faithfulness
• Devotion
• Messages from a higher power

What are Some Custom Dove Tattoo Designs?

Dove tattoos come in all shapes, designs, and sizes. Popular designs include dove tattoos paired with hearts or praying hands. However, some people also choose to get a doves and clouds tattoo. Whatever the design, you should first do some research in order to find the tattoo that has the strongest meaning for you. For example, couples will oftentimes choose a single dove tattoo to symbolize their love for one another. Still others have images of a dove tattooed with ribbons running throughout with the words “family” or “mom” inked inside to symbolize the strength of a family bond. Many Christians will also have a dove tattoo paired with a cross, Jesus, or other biblical symbols.

What are Some Dove Tattoo Designs for Men?

While some men opt to go for more traditional dove tattoo designs like doves with olive branches or white doves surrounded by ribbons with names of loved ones on them, others choose to go in a strikingly different direction. It seems some men in Downtown Toronto, Mississauga and Vancouver are having doves holding grenades tattooed on them as a way of showing the yin-and yang of life. Put simply, the dove symbolizes peace and purity, while the grenade symbolizes hate, death, and war. When a dove is depicted holding a grenade, this means that both peace and war go hand-in-hand.

Some common dove tattoos for men are:

• Dove outlines
• Two doves with a lock and key
• A dove chest or sternum tattoo
• A tattoo of a flying dove

Regardless of where you have your tattoo placed or what type of dove tattoo you choose to get, it’s best to do your homework to make sure that the image you pick is the most significant one for you. And when you’re ready to get started, reach out to the team at Chronic Ink for a truly amazing experience. Being one of the best tattoo shops in Toronto and Vancouver our talented team of artists that can make sure you get it just right.