<P> Although many dove release businesses advertise that their birds will be able to safely return home, a few released "doves" can be killed in accidents or by predators before they can make their way back . Most released birds are able to survive a return flight and are viewed similarly to racing pigeons that have been raced for centuries . </P> <P> The pigeons bred for dove release services are bred for their color, small size, and for their amazing homing abilities and flight speeds . </P> <P> Release dove handlers each offer their own unique list of release ceremonies to choose from . Some companies will offer either untrained homers, ringnecks, or other types of pigeon or dove . Those types of birds are likely to end up in the claws of a hawk, owl or cat, since they are unable to survive on their own in the wild . </P> <Ul> <Li> the "hand release" in which the bride and groom hold two doves which are then released together </Li> <Li> the "flurry" or "flock release" in which the bride and groom release two birds by hand or from a box and then a larger group of doves are released shortly afterward to join them in the sky . </Li> </Ul>

Where did the releasing of doves at weddings originate