As a symbol of the Holy Spirit it is specially connected with
Baptism (Matthew 3). In pictures of the Annunciation it
signifies the Incarnation of Our Saviour by the power of the
Holy Ghost. It also symbolizes marytrdom and the Church. The
dove with an olive branch was used on a sarcophagus to signify
peace and hope of Resurrection; in flight, it represents the
Ascension of Christ or the entrance of saints into glory. Since
early medieval times the Holy Eucharist was reserved for the
sick in a dove-shaped vessel suspended to the baldichinum over
the altar; later the dove was enclosed in a tower upon the
altar. A vessel of like form was hung over the early
baptisteries. In art it is associated with