What does the dove symbolize?

The dove is a universal symbol of peace, love, and new beginnings. It is often depicted with an olive branch in its beak, which represents peace and reconciliation. In Christianity, the dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, and it is also associated with the Virgin Mary. In ancient Greece and Rome, the dove was sacred to the goddess Aphrodite/Venus, and it was seen as a symbol of love and fertility. In many Native American cultures, the dove is a symbol of peace and friendship.