Peacocks have long been revered for their captivating beauty and unique symbolism. These magnificent creatures have captured the imagination of cultures around the world, and their symbolism carries deep spiritual significance. In this article, we will explore the spiritual meanings associated with peacocks and unravel the hidden symbolism behind their mesmerizing feathers, graceful dance, and regal presence. Join us on a journey to discover the spiritual wisdom that peacocks can impart and how their symbolism can enrich our lives.
The History and Cultural Significance of Peacocks
If you can’t get enough of peacock symbolism, you’re not the only one! These fascinating birds have been subjects of spiritual meanings and cultural significance for centuries. If you visit any church, India or Greece, you can see this in action.
Peacocks in Christianity
As we mentioned before, the peacock was considered the antithesis of Christianity because they were thought to be guardian creatures. Their tails symbolize Eyes of God, which means they were constantly being watched and had to be accountable for their actions. Additionally, they were said to be noble and pure creatures. That doesn’t mean that the peacock is free from its Christian symbolism.
We find them on religious articles in the form of a Peacock Angel or Melek Taus. The Peacock Angel is the angel of Jesus Christ—and quite a figure himself and often appears with a peacock as a companion. The many eyed body resembles a peacock’s tail and further solidifies the peacock as a spiritual symbol.
Peacocks in Hinduism
The relationship between the peacock and Hinduism is also quite complicated. Initially, they were seen as the enemies of serpents and this association made them creatures to be feared. However, that changed when one animal took on the mantle of Shiva’s mount: Ganesha.
Ganesha was often referred to as the peacock mount and he was known for his striking eyes. Does this remind you of anyone? As Ganesha began to be associated with the peacock’s natural instinct to eat snakes, he also took on their positive characteristics. Soon enough, Ganesha’s mount became more important than Ganesha himself as he was considered to be an avatar of Kartikeya.
Soon enough, the peacock began to appear in everything related to Kartikeya—like his banner and his chariot among other things. It was also believed that having feathers in your house could bring bad luck so it wasn’t until recently that you could find many paintings or sculptures featuring peacocks.
Peacocks in Roman Mythology
The Romans gave the peacock a more positive reputation due to numerous myths related to its origin story. They believed that Hera’s faithful guard Argus was assigned to watch over her mortal enemy Io. Zeus came up with an elaborate plan to free Io from Argus but in doing so, he made Argus furious. To help make peace between them, Hera placed all-seeing eyes on Argus’ tail feathers which caused him to turn into a peacock.
Peacocks in Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, it’s said that Zeus turned himself into a mortal so that he could seduce Hera while she was vulnerable. Zeus transformed himself into a sickly bird and appealed to Hera through her compassion. When Hera brought him into her flock, Zeus transformed back into his true form and revealed himself.
In exchange for her kindness, Zeus decided to dedicate this bird (the peacock) as her sacred bird and a personal emblem of hers.
Other Uses In World Culture
Peacocks have been more than just symbols throughout history–they’ve even been status symbols! In ancient times these birds were often kept by royalty both as pets and food. The fact that these birds couldn’t be kept anywhere other than on royal grounds only solidified their status as regal and rare animals.
The Symbolism of Peacock Feathers
As we mentioned earlier, peacock feathers are the most stunning part of this bird. So, it’s no surprise that there is a lot of spiritual and religious significance attached to this part of the peacock.
For example, in Hinduism, the feathers of a peacock are a symbol of the all-seeing eye and represent the benevolent nature of the universe.
In Christianity on the other hand, peacock feathers represent death and resurrection. This connection was derived from an ancient belief that peacock flesh remained intact even after it died. To Christians, this was an allegory for spiritual rebirth and resurrection. In fact, some European paintings show the peacock standing next to Jesus Christ, drawing on this religious symbolism.
In ancient Greece, people believed that the flesh of a peacock did not rot after death. This led to an association between these birds and immortality.
Peacocks and their feathers are also symbols of protection in some cultures. There is an old European folk legend that says a peacock’s feather can help protect children from witchcraft or evil spirits. However, this protection only lasts until the child turns seven years old.
Another old myth says that if you pluck a peacock feather from its owner’s house, you will take all its luck with it.
As for Western cultures, peacock feathers are prized for their beauty. So, you often see them being used as ornamental motifs in fashion and decor.
Apart from these more historical uses, peacock feathers still carry symbolism in many modern day cultures and traditions as well.
For example, Native American tribes use these feathers to make headdresses. The movement of these feathers is supposed to give strength to the owner and guide them in life. These tribes also believe that each eye on a single feather contains an omniscient vision from the heavens.
In many Asian traditions, peacock feathers are used in talismans and good luck charms to protect against disease or negative energy. They are often said to be able to absorb negative energy when placed near someone who is ill.
As you can see, no matter where you look, there are plenty of spiritual meanings attached to this bird’s feathers.
The Spiritual Connection to Peacock’s Dance
One of the most striking features of peacocks is their courtship dance. The peacock’s courtship dance is extraordinary and quite brilliant. They spread their plumage out in a semi-circle to attract peahens. The image of the peacock in its courtship dance is a sight to behold. The full display of feathers and bright colors creates a captivating image that is hard to ignore.
It can be said that we can learn a lot from the peacock’s courtship dance. It is a reminder that we should be true to ourselves and express ourselves, in ways that we may feel are not conventional or comfortable. The peacock in its courtship dance is expressing itself in ways that feel right to it.
The peacock’s dance reminds us to be bold and display ourselves without fear. It is a reminder that we should not hide our true selves from the world. Let our own beautiful feathers out and show ourselves just as we’re meant to be. By doing so, we can only attract the right mate or friend into our lives.
This beautiful bird also teaches us that our worth isn’t determined by what we possess or look like. It is our unique qualities and our ability to connect with others on deeper levels that matters most.
We are called to reflect on how we express ourselves in our lives. Asking ourselves if we encourage acts of creativity and self-expression within ourselves, as well as in others. What can you do to encourage other people to express their own unique gifts, talents and personalities?
Another interpretation is on a more personal level. Everyone has a small piece of nature within them, so to speak, whether it be the fierce nature of the tiger, the gentle nature of a lamb or the beauty of the peacock. Our spirituality and our faiths provide support for our colorful natures, just as the spirituality of the peacock helps it display its beauty.
The peacock teaches us how to listen to our hearts and follow our intuition at all times. By doing so, we encourage opportunities into our lives that will lead us into greater self-expression and freedom.
Peacocks as Symbols of Beauty, Grace, and Splendor
Ancient Indian mythology is full of references to the peacock. As a result, the bird has been adopted as the national bird of the country. In Hinduism and Buddhism, the peacock is often used as a symbol of beauty, grace, and splendor.
According to Buddhist legends, Peacocks are believed to have been originally brown in color. But upon seeing their reflection in a mirror they turned blue because they couldn’t handle how beautiful they were. And since then, peacocks carry on this belief because they can’t handle their beauty.
In Hinduism, Lord Karthikeya (son of Lord Shiva and Parvati) has a peacock as his mount. The peacock symbolizes creativity and wanting to be seen and heard. This behavior is linked to the fact that they often spread their feathers wide open, which represent expansive energy and radiance. It is also said that Karthikeya rides on a peacock and wields a bow made of sugarcane.
Peacock feathers may also symbolize wisdom, compassion, and empathy—core tenets of both Hinduism and Buddhism.
As one of the oldest living cultures in the world, Mesopotamian people practiced polytheistic worship. The peacock is believed to have originated from the ancient Near East, where it was associated with Ishtar—the goddess of fertility, love, war, sex, and power. The bird is said to originate from her feathers, which she “sheds” like a snake to help inspire devotion from mortals.
Iranians believe that beautiful feathers were created when Isfandiyar shed tears of anger after seeing his army defeat against the Turanian King Afrasayab.
The peacock did not feature in Egyptian mythology but it was known as a luxury pet and was used for decorative purposes. The ancient Greeks believed that Hera wore a crown of peacock feathers which symbolized her power.
In Christianity, the ancient Greeks believed that peacocks were symbols of immortality since its flesh does not decay after death.
In Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, Hera was said to have adorned the tail of a beautiful bird with 100 eyes in order to help her keep watch on her servant-turned-lover Argus Panoptes. However after he was killed by Hermes on Zeus’ behest another story of transformation emerged: Hera turned Argus’s body into a peacock.
The mythological explanation for their vibrant feather colors comes from when Hera placed Argus’s eyes in the tail feathers of the bird after he was killed by Hermes.
According to Greek mythological tales, the first ever feathers of every peacock were initially brown. But their colors changed when Argus Panoptes died and his eyes were transferred to its tail by Zeus who wanted Argus to live forever.
The Meaning for Peacocks Changes Around India
While many Indian cultures recognize the peacock as a symbol for both love and compassion because of its devotion toward its mate, it’s also seen in some areas of India as a sign of arrogance.
The Symbolism of Peacock in Different Religions
Christianity
Given the traits of peacocks, it’s hardly surprising that Christians revere them as sacred creatures. Other than being a symbol of immortality, they represent the promise of the resurrection of Jesus Christ in Christianity.
Peacocks are also considered to be guardian over royalty and so, it isn’t uncommon to see paintings of Jesus and Mary with peacocks around them. This emphasizes their role as protectors.
Hinduism
Hinduism has a number of gods and goddesses, with each associated with a sacred animal. In Hinduism, peacock is the animal associated with Saraswati, the goddess who is the representation of knowledge and wisdom.
It is also believed that peacocks are immune to venomous snakes. And since Shiva—the Lord who drank the poison, saving the world from destruction—has a divine connection with them, they are also considered to have been created from the sweat of Shiva.
Greek Mythology
Greek mythology tells us that Argus was a hundred-eyed giant who was assigned by Hera to watch over Zeus’ mistress-turned-into-cow-creature—Io. After Zeus killed Argus to protect Io, Hera then placed Argus’ eyes on her favorite bird—the peacock. And so, this act led to the belief that peacock feathers had the power to see everything.
Roman Mythology
In Roman mythology, the peacock is associated with Juno due to its beauty and bright colors. It’s said that she created the eyes on their feathers and so, according to Roman lore, peacock feathers were considered sacred items.
Buddhism
In Buddhism, a Bodhisattva named Kuan yin is associated with peacocks. As per Buddhist teachings, Kuan Yin shared her insights with an arrogant king who refused to listen. So, she turned him into a peacock as a punishment. For him to receive his power back from her, he had to remain in that form for 500 lifetimes.
Islamic Symbolism
A whitish or yellowish peacock symbolizes new life or purity in Islam. They are considered among those things that are pure and good by Muslims.
The Peacock’s Role in Mythology and Folklore
Peacock meanings and beliefs have been a part of various myths and legends throughout history. Let’s take a look at different cultures that have associated deities and important figures with the peacock as well as some of the negative ones.
Christianity
The peacock has been a part of Christian folklore for over 500 years. Some used to believe that the many eyes on its tail represented the all-seeing Eye of God. This belief started as a way to glorify and celebrate the beauty of the bird. People would also use feathers in art and fashion to highlight the peacock’s magnificence.
According to Christian beliefs, the tail feathers of the peacock shed annually, and a new set takes its place. This annual renewal represents the cycle of life, death and rebirth, which is an integral part of Christianity.
Hinduism
Another religion with strong peacock symbolism is Hinduism. Lord Krishna, who has been associated with peacocks for centuries, is said to have 16108 wives who served him like servants. The peacock is said to have carried his wife from one place to another using its majestic wings.
In Hindu mythology, it’s believed that the feathers on a peacock’s tail represent all the newborn souls who are looking for a body to inhabit so they can start their lives on Earth.
The peacock also plays an important role in Indian culture outside of religion. The vibrant colours we often see on Indian silk sarees are inspired by peacock feathers. The iconic dance of Indian classical dance Bharatanatyam is also named after this regal bird.
Greek Mythology
The Ancient Greeks believed the peacock was originally white in colour but turned blue when they heard Hera, Queen of Olympus, was coming to visit Earth. It was her favourite bird, and it resided at her temple in Samos.
In Greek mythology, Hera has been depicted as having hundreds of eyes. Due to this association with eyes, some speculate that Hera was known as the queen of heaven and earth because she could see everything that happens on both planes. This association gives rise to the idea that there are hundreds of eyes on the tail fan.
Mayan Culture
The Mayans believed that the peacock was linked with long life and prosperity. They often depicted it on figurines and pottery in order to ensure good fortune for their families.
Romans
In Roman mythology, Juno was depicted with a peacock at her feet and 100 eyes on her feathers giving rise to the belief that all seeing eyes provided protection against evil spirits.
Peacocks as Symbols of Rebirth and Transformation
As we mentioned earlier, peacocks are a symbol of rising from the ashes. This is why they are very connected to the phoenix in various cultures. They are seen as a source of transformation, evolving from the physical realm to the spiritual realm.
Ancient and medieval cultures believed that peacock meat was impervious to decay. This is why Christians began to associate peacocks with immortality and resurrection from sin. To echo this belief, during Greek weddings, a bride would often sew an image of a peacock into her dress or veil to signify her immortality through her marriage.
Indian mythology also speaks highly of the peacock’s transformative abilities. In nearly every story, they are associated with the rebirth of spring or transcending a person from one life to the next. They also believe that peacocks consume venom and use it to transform into something more beautiful, which is why they see them as powerful protectors.
In China, they have a story about a bird that never died, but rather transformed into another bird entirely. This is similar to how the Jews view peacocks as an eternal animal. They believe that because their flesh is anti-corruptible, they symbolize men who possess everlasting righteousness.
In all these cultures, it’s clear that peacocks are powerful representations of rebirth and transformation. This has morphed into modern symbolism around finding your true self and embracing your own transformation.
For many people who see them in nature or through meditation or dreams, peacocks represent growth and discovery towards reaching your true potential. Embracing the spiritual qualities of individuality can help you evolve your mind and body on every level.
The next time you do see a peacock or have a vision of one, really take the time to appreciate how beautiful they are and what they symbolize through their beauty and strength. If you’re drawn to them or their feathers as sacred symbols for you on your journey, be sure to just let yourself be completely open to what they may be telling you.
The Spiritual Meaning of Peacock Colors
According to the book “Animal Speak” by Ted Andrews, the male peacock with its impressive fan of feathers is associated with certain noble and chivalrous traits. Such traits come from the peacock’s ability to eat poisonous snakes without harm, which in turn transforms those toxins into healthful, life-giving sustenance.
The iridescent colors of a peacock’s feathers are attributed to the goddess Hera, who was known as Juno to the Romans. She was the queen of all Greek gods and goddesses and took a sacred peacock as her symbol. Greek and Roman mythology also associates the peacock feathers with the eyes of Argus, which were “all-seeing.”
Peacocks remind us to remain true to our divine selves, others, and all things. They also encourage us to show our true colors in order to attract others into our lives.
Here are some quick spiritual meanings for each color you see on a peacock’s feathers:
Purple
The peacock feather is a blend of permanent purple (no matter what angle you see it from) and bright blue (only visible when seen from certain angles). Purple is a spiritual color that assists with your connection to your higher self. This color speaks of your ability to overcome obstacles and self-empowerment.
Blue
Blue has two spiritual meanings in general – communication and peace. When it comes to a peacock’s feathers, these specific shades of blue have an added meaning: truth and honesty. And this isn’t limited to speaking or hearing the truth; it also means living in truth.
Green
Since green is the color of our heart chakra, it represents love and healing. It’s associated with all kinds of love – from romance to self-care – and encourages compassion, empathy, and kindness.
Pink
Rarely seen on a peacock’s plumage, pink is associated with love, romance, tenderness, spiritual fulfillment, sensuality, friendship, and forgiveness.
Gold
The gold “scales” are associated with wealth, prosperity, strength, wisdom, courage and enlightenment.
As we conclude this exploration into the spiritual meanings and symbolism of peacocks, it is evident that they are more than just stunning birds with vibrant plumage. Peacocks represent a tapestry of deep spiritual significance, and their symbolism resonates with various aspects of our lives. From their representation of beauty, rebirth, and immortality to their embodiment of grace, dignity, and divine protection, peacocks offer us valuable insights into our own spiritual journey. By embracing the symbolism of peacocks in our lives, we can learn to cultivate these qualities within ourselves and find greater harmony and spiritual growth. So, the next time you encounter a peacock, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and reflect on the profound spiritual wisdom it carries. Embrace the elegance and symbolism of the peacock, and let it inspire you on your spiritual path.
