Vermont Wings of Love

Funerals & Memorials

“OH, THAT I HAD WINGS OF A DOVE! FOR THEN I WOULD
               FLY AWAY AND BE AT REST”  Psalms 55:6

 

Up to 21 dove release -

“The loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult times we will ever experience. A beautiful way of remembering and honoring the deceased is a dove release. A graveside service with a dove release symbolizes the soul of the dearly departed, and its flight from the trials of this earth. The doves grace and beauty, its spotless white feathers and gentle cooing, represents purity, simplicity, peace, harmony, happiness and that unique trait of humankind known as the soul. Watching the doves ascending to the heavens, create a serene, peaceful occasion. This “letting go” experience gives the loved ones a sense of closure and helps them begin the healing process.

Before the release, maybe a family member, would do a dove reading or a poem pertaining to the symbolism of the soul making its journey to heaven.

Some ideas and suggestions for releases:

  White Trinity Release
Four doves are on display at graveside during the service. Three doves are released first, representing the Trinity, - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then the last dove, representing
the departed person rises free to join the three. All four doves then fly together high into the heavens. If a flock is then released, it can be seen as an accompaniment of “Angels” as an escort .
 

   Seven Dove Release
The number 7 represents Spiritual Perfection in many ways. It is considered God’s number in the Judeo-Christian tradition. In Revelations 5:12, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are listed as power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessings. Seven doves represent these seven gifts. God rested on the seventh after Creation. In God’s right hand were seven stars (Revelations). Earth was created in seven days and there are seven candles on the Golden Candlestick. Seven white doves released at the right moment may be seen as seven angels in white, flying overhead.
 

   Twelve Doves
Twelve is deeply rooted in the Christian tradition. There were 12 disciples, 12 days of Christmas, and 12 angels that mark the perfection of angelic powers (Mark 26:53). In addition, there are 12 foundations in heavenly Jerusalem, and twelve gates to heaven.
Twelve angels brought 12 gifts to the Christ child (hope, joy, wonder, praise, peace, benevolence, comfort, faith, perseverance, strength, love and grace). Twelve doves takes a place with all of these powerful symbols.


  
    21 Doves
A 21 Gun salute is an honor often accorded to military occasions. Using doves is a wonderful alternative salute that symbolizes a peaceful gesture and shows respect.


    Angel Escort to Heaven
Two or more doves, representing angels, are released. Shortly after, a family member releases a lone white dove, representing the loved ones spirit. The spirit dove joins the flock of angels and all together they make the flight home.
Instead of “angels” this release could also be done as those souls in the life of the dearly departed that went before and have come to greet and guide the loved one into heaven.


     Personal Release
Any personal preference in finding a special way that would allow the family to find closure, with hope and remembrance.