Dove Release

Memorial and funeral services are as much for the living as they are for the deceased. Family members and friends gather to comfort one another and say their final farewells to loved ones who have passed. Symbolic expressions of letting go, such as a dove release, can be a powerful experience while grieving. If you are planning a funeral for a loved one, here are a few different ways to symbolically let go.

Dove release

A dove release is a poignant way to conclude a funeral service. The release of doves symbolizes both the departure of a soul from the body and the act of letting go by the friends and family members left behind. In a dove release, select attendees at the service, or trained handlers, perform the physical act of releasing the doves. This physical experience of letting go can often help with the emotional process of letting go. In either case, the vision of the flying doves provides a freeing feeling.

Butterfly Release

A butterfly release offers the same opportunity to let go and is often chosen by those honoring a younger loved one who has passed. Unlike doves, which will immediately fly away when released, butterflies may settle on funeral flowers or attendees for a time. For many people, this can provide comfort and symbolize the continued presence of their loved one’s spirit or memory.

Blowing bubbles

With a butterfly or dove release, typically only a few people are involved in the actual release. Blowing bubbles allows everyone to participate in the symbolic gesture of letting go. You can think of what you would say to your loved one if you had the chance and symbolically send that message with the bubbles. If there are children in attendance, prepare them in advance so they realize that this act of blowing bubbles is being done as part of the funeral and is not play time.

At Mountain View Funeral Home, we understand that planning a funeral service can be difficult and is deeply personal. Our compassionate staff can help with every aspect of funeral arrangements, including dove releases or other symbolic expressions of letting go. We take pride in offering respectful and meaningful funeral services. For more information, feel free to contact us. Our caring staff is here to help.