Dove Ceramic Tree Decoration

In the Hebrew Bible, doves or young pigeons are acceptable burnt offerings for those who cannot afford a more expensive animal. In the book of Genesis, Noah sent out a dove after the great flood to determine how far the floodwaters had receded. "Dove" is also a term of endearment in the Song of Songs and elsewhere. In Hebrew, Jonah means dove. Jesus's parents sacrificed doves on his behalf after his circumcision. Later, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus at his baptism like a dove, and subsequently the "peace dove" became a common Christian symbol of the Holy Spirit. In Islam, doves and the pigeon family in general are respected and favoured because they are believed to have assisted the final prophet of Islam, Muhammad, in distracting his enemies outside the cave of Thaw'r in the great Hijra. Acrylic painting on 35 × 25cm canvas. Completed 22.5.13.