Peristera (mythology)
The etymology of the Greek word περιστερά, meaning the common pigeon or dove,[1] is ultimately unknown, although it could be related to the word πελιός, meaning "dark, blue.[4][5] One day Aphrodite and her son Eros arrived in a bright meadow, and for fun they held a contest on which could gather the most flowers.[6] Eros, in anger over his victory being snatched away from his hands, transformed Peristera into the bird bearing her name, the dove.Forbes Irving, Peristera's tale is a very late one, and is more in line with inventions of a scholar who creates comprehensive narratives than local aetiological myth.[10] Among Aphrodite's symbols, the dove was one of the most significant and common ones, which came to symbolise affection, peace and love.