Depending on your ethnic or religious extraction, a peacock symbolism may relate to one specific thing or the other (unlike a white dove, for example, which is a very universal symbol).
For instance, in Hinduism, a peacock symbolizes luck, kindness and patience. Persian cultures, some of the most influential in the world, regard peacocks as guardians of royalty. When you turn to Christianity, peacocks symbolize renewal, immortality, and resurrection.
In this article, we’ll have an in-depth look at what exactly peacocks symbolize with inferences drawn from different cultures, practices, and religious inclinations. Read on to learn more about the peacock symbolism.
What You'll Learn Today
What does a peacock symbolize?
Peacocks epitomize beauty and grace. They are powerful and are often used as symbols of honor, integrity, and self-love.
In the face of challenges and uncertainties, peacocks exhibit unique attributes of courage and confidence. Whenever a peacock struts into your life, chances are that you are entering a moment of rebirth.
In peoples lives, peacocks are a firm connection between the past and the present. They also imply a strong recognition of the effect that the past-present connection has on the future.
Therefore, to be in tune with peacock symbolism, you need to strike a balance between confidence and humility.
To achieve this, you need to work on your foundation and be conscious of your support system. In this way, you’ll be able to tap into your intuition and the gifts therein to help you manifest positive outcomes.
What do peacock feathers symbolize in Christianity
In ancient Greek culture, the flesh of a peacock was believed to be incapable of decay. As Christianity spread throughout the region, this symbolism was passed over as an eternality or ceaselessness of life.
In the book of 1st Kings 10:22, Solomon was said to have peacocks as part and symbol of his wealth. Peacock’s skin carried with it some element of incorruptibility.
Saint Augustine put this theory to test by observing how long the peacock skin would last. A year after, he was shocked to learn that part from the shriveling and drying of the skin, there was no decomposition.
This and other proofs have led Christians and the ancient cultures influenced by Christianity to believe that peacocks are a true symbol of immortality. Aside from the skin, Christians regard the feathers as a sign of resurrection. This is because they molt annually and grow anew much like the resurrection.
Looking around in churches and Christian catacombs you’d see peacocks featured prominently. In case you come across a painting or a portrait of the eye-shaped pattern that on peacocks’ feathers, that is a sign of the all-seeing God in the Christian context.
What does the white peacock symbolize?
A white peacock is a sign of divine realization. It also represents attraction and renewal. It is a rebirth of the illuminated soul and resurrection of the divine self from the shadows of doubt and the fire of fear.
White peacocks symbolize the highest alignment in consciousness and the most benevolent of outcomes. The tail of a white peacock radiates this amazing and breathtaking beauty. Its soft white glowing light helps to filter out all the negativity in a person’s mind, body, and soul.
What does a peacock symbolize in Indian culture?
Indian culture is a fusion of several cultures, traditions, and symbols. The peacock is the national bird of India. Hindu mythology has it that the peacock was created from the feathers of Garuda, a legendary bird-like creature which also doubles up as Lord Vishnu’s carrier.
The association of peacock with Goddess Saraswati brings up the symbol of patience, compassion, kindness, and knowledge. It is not uncommon to find Indian households decorated with peacock features. This is done with the hope that such a household will attract prosperity and luck.
Lord Krishna is adorned with peacock feathers. Anyone who worships him is blessed with health, wealth, auspiciousness, transcendent knowledge. Peacocks enable a person to attain much higher self-knowledge.
It also serves as a reminder of the divine and romantic love shared between Radha and Krishna. Lord Krishna is said to have cleansed Radha’s feet with peacock feathers.
In other sections of the Indian culture, the peacock is a symbol of protection and safety. With the feathers, the peacock protects people against evil eyes and keeps them away from all negativity like greed, anger, and jealousy.
What do peacock feathers symbolize
So many symbolisms and meanings can be derived from peacock feathers. A general symbolism of peacock feathers is that they optimize pride and glory. It is also said that peacocks can eat poisonous foods and still have no ill effects. This has led its feathers to be referred to as signs of incorruptibility.
Throughout time, peacock feathers have been used for healing rituals. They are believed to carry spiritual healing energy that can give people balance and harmony.
When used right, the feathers enable people to connect with the universal healing power which is the ultimate cure for disease, imbalance, and complaints. In Buddhism, peacock feathers are a sign of resilience in the face of great suffering.
What does a peacock symbolize in Celtic art?
In Celtic folklore, the peacock takes on different meanings. When considered separately, it is a representation of luxury and wealth. This is personified by the gold Celtic Peacoige.
Peacock is also a sign of healthy relationships characterized by purity of heart and loyalty to one’s partner. This is embodied by the copper Celtic Peacoige.
In Celtic art, peacocks have been also a symbol of transcendence and freedom. It is said that the peacock can fly all the way to heaven and bring back with it, messages from the deities. This is often the interpretation of the silver Celtic Peacoige.
What does peacock symbolize in feng shui?
In feng shui, the peacock is regarded as the manifestation of the celestial phoenix. This is because of its stunning beauty. The thousand eyes that decorate its tail not only enhance protection and awareness but also promote good luck and fame.
Rooms decorated with peacock paintings and feathers attract feelings of love and desired mates. Peacocks are often used in feng shui alongside birds like roosters, magpie, doves, cranes, phoenix, and many others.
The greatest take home in the interpretation of the peacock is that you need to always be alive and present to the different dimensions of life. On our spiritual paths, we should never ignore the truth when it is revealed to us. However, like the peacock, we need to be patient with our selves and handle every process with grace.
We should take time to relish the beauty of every moment both in the mundane and the mystical. This is the essence and spiritual symbolism of the peacock, unfolding just like its tail plumage.