The Dove From Above: 5 Things You Need to Know About Releasing Doves at a Funeral

If you have recently lost someone, you may be thinking about commemorating their life by releasing white doves at their funeral or memorial service. However, before you do so, it is important that you understand everything you need to know about this ritual. Below is a guide to 5 things you need to know.

The number of birds can change the meaning

Doves are very symbolic animals. The number of doves you choose to release at a funeral service can change the meaning and symbolism of the act. Releasing a lone dove symbolises the journey that your loved one's soul takes after death. Two doves signify your loved one being guided by a spirit guide helping them to make their journey into the afterlife. Releasing larger numbers of doves in seen as an act of celebration of your loved one's life.

Companies can provide you will the doves you need

Across Australia, there are businesses that specialise is providing doves for events such as funerals. For a fee, the company will provide you with the birds you require, and a member of their staff can help to release them when the moment comes.

Your funeral director will help to arrange the doves

On the day of the funeral or memorial service, it is likely that you will have a lot on your mind. Not only will you need to think about the timings of each part of the day, but you will also need to greet the mourners. Your funeral director will be able to help with the booking and the on-the-day arrangements required for a dove release.

You need to consider the season and birds-of-prey

When planning to release doves, it is important that you consider the season and if there are any birds or prey in the vicinity. You should avoid releasing doves in the colder months when birds-of-prey will be more likely to attack. The last thing you want is to release a dove only to see it killed in front of your eyes as happened to the Pope in the Vatican City.

You can decide at which point you want to release the doves

There is no standard time to release doves at a funeral. You can choose to release them as mourners arrive, as they leave the church or crematorium, or as the body is laid to rest. When ever you decide is best, your funeral director will be there to make sure everything goes to plan.

If you would like further help planning a funeral, you should contact a funeral service today.