Uma Pomba Sagrada

Doves are revered in many religions. If not seen as symbols of divinity, they're at least perceived as symbols of peace. It probably has something to do with how delicate and gentle they seem to be and, of course, they're often immaculately pure white in colour. There are other birds with white feathers, including even chickens haha, but none of them quite have the status of doves. In actuality, they're just a variety of pigeon, or vice versa, - which is why they have the same names "Paloma/Pomba" in some latin languages like Spanish and Portuguese.

I woke up to a very thick fog this morning and, looking outside my window, I saw this amazing sight. It was a dove perched on a rooftop at such an angle that it was silhouetted against the sun. It created the effect of a halo around its head. "A holy dove" - "Uma pomba sagrada".

Portugal is a very Catholic country and many people still practice it. Many people are still strong believers in superstitions and apparitions. Something like this could easily be spiritually significant to another onlooker. To me, of course, it does still hit a chord. I can appreciate the beauty of the moment and the serendipitous juxtaposition of the ave and our star. 1000 years ago, I may have been pushed to start my own religion after seeing this :)

Peace & Love,

Adé