Releasing funeral doves as part of the service or celebration of the life of a loved one not only pays a moving tribute to the person who has passed away, but can also be emotionally uplifting and inspiring for the mourners attending the funeral. The feeling of peace and closure is almost tangible.

Service providers specialized in the release of funeral pigeons

Dove’s release service providers will tailor a package according to your exact wishes and then contact the funeral director to arrange the presentation.

The actual release of the pigeons usually takes place at the end of the funeral service, civil ceremony, or memorial service. You can read a poem or prose piece or play a favorite piece of music to accompany the pitch. Alternatively, you can choose to have the pigeons released in total silence.

The pigeons are released from a basket decorated in the style of your choice and the presentation is carried out by experienced pigeon handlers who will be appropriately attired for the occasion. In practice, it must be borne in mind that funeral pigeons can only be released in the open air and in broad daylight. This gives them enough time to get home before dark, usually at least two hours before sunset.

Meaning and symbolic meaning

The dove is the universal symbol of peace, hope and freedom and in this context the release of the funeral doves symbolizes the liberation of the spirit of the deceased who is finally at peace. The actual number of pigeons released is also significant and offers shades of symbolic meaning and representation. For instance:

• a single white dove represents the peaceful liberation and forward journey of the spirit of the deceased;
• a pair of doves symbolizes the journey of the spirit of the deceased person accompanied by their spiritual guide or guardian angel;
• the release of three doves immediately followed by the release of a single dove signifies the Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit who guides the spirit of the deceased on their journey to heaven;
• Ten doves released simultaneously offer a symbolic celebration of the life of a loved one and say a simple and loving farewell.