Quick answer
Pigeons are considered both good and bad luck in different cultures and contexts. They have long been seen as productive birds that provide food and fertilizer, bringing prosperity. But they are also viewed as dirty urban pests that carry disease. Overall there is no definitive answer – it depends on one’s cultural background and personal experiences with pigeons.
Pigeons as good luck
History
Pigeons have been seen as good luck for thousands of years. In Ancient Egypt, pigeons represented fertility and abundance. Doves were sacred to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. In Ancient Rome, pigeons delivered positive news and were considered sacred to Venus, the Roman goddess of love.
Christianity
In Christianity, the dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit and God’s benevolence towards mankind. The white dove is seen as gentle, kind and pure. Doves appear in several biblical stories, always representing peace, devotion, blessing and God’s forgiveness. For example, in the story of Noah’s Ark, Noah sends out a dove which returns with an olive branch, showing the flood waters had receded.
Islam
In Islam, pigeons and doves are respected and honored. The prophet Muhammad prohibited Muslims from killing pigeons. Pigeons are allowed to fly freely around mosques and Islamic holy sites, and are considered part of the community. Seeing pigeons at a mosque is considered a sign of blessing.
Hinduism
Hindus relate pigeons to the souls of the dead awaiting reincarnation. Feeding pigeons (and cows) is considered merciful. The goddess Lakshmi’s chariot is pulled by white doves representing purity and prosperity. Releasing doves at weddings represents everlasting love between the bride and groom.
Chinese culture
The pigeon or dove is a popular Chinese symbol of peace, long life, conjugal fidelity and prosperity. Doves sometimes decorate wedding cakes as a sign of a peaceful marriage. Pigeon imagery is popular in Chinese art and depicted in paintings or porcelain. Spotting a white dove means good luck in personal affairs.
Military symbol
Homing pigeons have carried vital military messages for thousands of years. Due to their homing ability and speed, pigeons allowed early communication on the battlefield. Even today pigeons are still valued by the military. Medals for animal war heroes are often awarded to successful messenger pigeons who saved soldiers’ lives.
Pigeons as bad luck
Pests and disease
While pigeons have historical symbolic value, city living pigeons are now widely regarded as dirty, disease-ridden pests. Their droppings are unhygienic and damage infrastructure. Pigeons can carry and spread diseases to humans including histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis. Too much contact with their excrement poses a health hazard.
Financial cost
The pigeon problem costs cities millions of dollars per year in cleanup and control measures. Pigeon droppings eat away at buildings, statues and monuments. Large pigeon populations cause noise, smell and mess. Pest control is expensive – spikes, nets, bird repellent gel and Falcons cost tax money.
Damage to property
Pigeons often nest on rooftops and window ledges, blocking gutters and ventilation systems. Their nest materials can be a fire hazard. Droppings and feathers block drains and air conditioning units. Acidic droppings rapidly corrode metals, etching paintwork and eroding stone. Historic sites, vehicles and machinery require frequent cleaning.
Harm to ecosystems
Excess pigeons can push out native birds in urban habitats. Their droppings in large amounts increase nitrogen to unsafe levels for natural waters. Pigeons may carry avian diseases which can spread to wild bird populations. Non-native pigeons out-compete endangered native doves.
Aviation hazard
Pigeons are a significant problem at airports because they can get sucked into jet engines causing damage or even accidents. Air traffic control employ falconers and dogs to scare away pigeons. Nest removal and spikes deter roosting on hangars and runways. Pigeon strikes cost civil aviation hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
Cultural differences
Views on pigeons seem split between positive associations historically and religiously, versus modern annoyance at their damage, cost and health impacts in cities. Some key cultural differences:
West vs. East
Western perceptions are more negative – pigeons are seen as rats with wings. But in Eastern cultures like China and India, pigeons still symbolize peace and good fortune. Temples and shrines actively feed and protect pigeons.
Urban vs. Rural
In modern cities, people view pigeons as a nuisance. But in agricultural areas and villages, pigeons are valued for producing guano fertilizer and supplementing food sources. Rural pigeon lofts provide additional income for farmers.
Old vs. Young
Elders may be more aware of historical and religious pigeon symbolism. Younger generations in cities see pigeons as a problem without the positive connotations. Time and modernization distance us from past traditions.
Rich vs. Poor
Wealthy homeowners and businesses view pigeons as expensive vandalism that dirties their private property. But the poor may tolerate or even appreciate urban pigeons as a free source of meat. Pigeon trapping and eating persists in some food-insecure regions.
Good places for pigeons
While pigeons are now considered pests in many urban areas, some public spaces exist where people feed them willingly. Pigeons are welcomed in locations where they hold symbolic or sentimental value.
Trafalgar Square
This iconic London square encourages pigeon feeding as a major tourist attraction. Pigeons flock to visitors for birdseed sold by vendors. Feeding Trafalgar pigeons is a fun family activity and homecoming ritual for Brits.
Venice’s St Mark’s Square
Locals and tourists love feeding the eager pigeons in Venice’s central plaza. For a small fee, seed vendors provide corn for children to feed the birds. St Mark’s pigeons are considered part of Venice’s heritage.
Hindu and Sikh temples
Pigeons gather freely at Hindu and Sikh temples in India and worldwide. Visitors offer birdseed as a sacred blessing. Major sites install dove feeding stations. Protection from predatory hawks shows devotion.
Pigeon breeding lofts
While pigeons are disliked in cities, racing and show pigeons are prized in pigeon fancier lofts. Breeders consider them intelligent, trainable pets.City racers release flocks to navigate home, a sport called pigeon racing.
Place | Location | Significance |
---|---|---|
Trafalgar Square | London | Major tourist attraction |
St Mark’s Square | Venice | Part of cultural heritage |
Hindu/Sikh temples | India | Sacred blessing tradition |
Pigeon breeding lofts | Worldwide | Hobby enthusiasts and competitors |
Symbolism in art and culture
Pigeons have influenced art and culture for centuries through their symbolic meanings. Here are some notable examples:
Noah’s dove – Peace
In the Biblical story of the Flood, Noah releases a dove from the Ark to find dry land. It returns with an olive leaf, a enduring symbol of peace and hope. The dove appears in Jewish, Christian and Islamic art.
The Holy Spirit – Faith
In Christianity, a dove represents the Holy Spirit in scenes of Jesus’ baptism and the Annunciation to Mary. The dove is gentle purity against sin. Medieval and Renaissance art emphasized the whiteness of the spirit dove.
Military carrier pigeons – Home
War memorials often depict this bird symbolizing hope and memory. Military pigeon statues honor their contribution as messengers that saved soldiers’ lives in times before modern communication.
Pablo Picasso’s Dove – Freedom
Picasso’s lithograph of a dove was chosen as the emblem for the 1949 World Peace Congress in Paris, thereafter becoming an international symbol of peace and passive resistance to war. Versions of Picasso’s dove are still widely reproduced, especially on banners and posters calling for peace and freedom.
Wedding doves – Love
White doves feature in western wedding traditions, depicted in jewelry and decorations. Releasing birds symbolizes the couple’s love flying freely into a new life. Photographers include dove releases for romantic effect and good fortune.
Work | Symbolism |
---|---|
Noah’s dove art | Peace, hope |
Holy Spirit in religious art | Purity, faith |
Military pigeon statues/memorials | Wartime messengers, home |
Picasso’s dove | Peace, freedom |
Wedding dove symbols | Love |
Conclusion
In conclusion, pigeons hold both positive and negative significance in human culture depending on context. They are revered for their rich symbolic history and religious meaning. But the birds become a nuisance when found in urban spaces interfering with infrastructure and aviation. Whether pigeons are considered good or bad luck depends on one’s cultural lens and personal experience with Columba livia in daily life. Their long relationship with people continues to adapt as our cities and technologies progress. But the pigeon keeps cooing and finding its place in both our folklore and landscape.