Soon, you’ll discover why many monarchs throughout history wanted to be represented by the peacock. Peacocks are unique among birds due to their brilliantly colored tail feathers. However, there is much more to this bird than meets the eye.
Generally, peacocks symbolize wealth, royalty, and elegance. They also symbolize beauty, power, and pride, and many world cultures use their feathers for symbolic artwork.
Next, you’ll read more fascinating details about peacock symbolism, dreams, omens, and more. The next time you encounter a peacock, you’ll be bound to see them in a new light!
Peacock Symbolism
Peafowl males are “peacocks,” and peafowl females are “peahens,” but both are commonly called peacocks. You likely know these magnificent birds for their loud bird calls and colorful plumage.
Charles Darwin theorized that male peacocks have such brightly colored feathers to attract females, and scientists are still studying the evolution of these glorious birds today.
Peacocks have traditionally been a symbol of royalty. Their imagery is heavily related to kings, emperors, and gods or goddesses. Peacocks strongly symbolize divine interference and spiritual fortitude.
Next, you’ll learn about peacock symbolism among different world cultures and religions.
Peacock Symbolism: American
In Mexican featherwork, also known as plumería, peacock feathers add vivid colors to art and decoration. In present-day Mexico’s pre-Hispanic and colonial periods, plumeria was an important cultural expression. Peacock feathers made up headdresses and other ceremonial clothing.
Such artwork using peacock feathers was also common in Brazil and Peru. Northeastern Native Americans traded and bartered peacock feathers, as they were a prized possession. They were also worn in Native American clothing.
Many Native Americans believed that peacock feathers represented their connection to their creator. Feathers symbolized honor, wisdom, and freedom. The Cherokee nation had legends of the first sightings of peacocks, which they viewed as gifts from the sky.
Peacock Symbolism: India
India is the native land of peacocks. So, peacocks are a strong part of India’s culture. Some gods and goddesses of Hinduism are portrayed as peacocks.
Peacocks also represent the shape of the Omkara, or “Om” symbol. The major Hindu deity, Lord Krishna, wears a crown of peacock feathers.
Peacocks also influenced the culture of the Iron Age Mauryan Empire, located on the Indian subcontinent. The founder of the Mauryan Empire was raised by a family that bred peacocks, and his ancestors named the lands they settled in “Moriyas,” meaning “land of the peacocks.” In the Buddhist tradition, these ancestors allegedly built their new settlements out of colorful rocks representing peacocks.
During medieval times in India, peacocks represented royalty. For instance, the emperors of the Mughal Empire on the Indian subcontinent sat on the Peacock Throne. Also, the Burmese and Sinhalese zodiacs include peacocks as one of the astrological signs.
In the Indian region, peacocks also symbolized pride and self-centeredness. Traditionally, people believed peacocks ate poisonous foods in order to become immune to them and make their colored feathers brighter. One Buddhist god, Mahamayuri, sits on a throne of peacocks.
Today, the peacock is one of the national symbols of India.
Peacock Symbolism: Japanese
You can commonly see peafowls in traditional Japanese artwork. The Japanese considered them to be icons of Buddhism and considered them guardians and protectors. That’s because peacocks can safely eat poisonous plants or animals.
In Japanese tradition, peacocks are symbols of wisdom and faith. They’re prominent in Esoteric Buddhist culture, representing one of the Five Wisdom Kings. Peacocks also represented vision, fertility, and great wealth.
In Japanese Buddhism, peacocks represent the deity, Kannon. Further, they represent kindness and gentleness. In traditional Japanese culture, peacocks are also thought to have the power to bring rain.
Peacock Symbolism: Christianity
Early Christians adopted peacock symbolism, and peacocks are the subjects of many early Christian artworks. In the east, Christians use peacock symbolism during the Easter holiday season. They believe the eye imagery on peacock tails represents their all-seeing god.
Some early Christians also shared the Persian and Babylonian peacock symbolism. That is, peacocks represented the Tree of Life and immortality. Early Christian artwork often depicts peacocks next to the Tree of Life.
Peacock Symbolism: Celtic
Ancient Celtic artwork richly depicts peacocks, feathers, and other peacock imagery. Peacock symbolism was important to the Celtic culture, and they believed peacocks represented immortality and foresight.
Celts also associated the bird’s bright feathers with sunshine and rebirth. In Celtic folklore, peacocks sometimes represented wealth and prosperity. If a peacock was on a family’s coat of arms, it signified purity and knowledge.
Peacock Mythology
In Persia and Babylonia, peacocks represent guardians of royalty. That’s why they’re commonly used as decorative art on royal thrones. In Persian mythology, a servant angel known as the Peacock Angel helped create the cosmos and used his tears to calm hellfire.
In Ancient Greece, people believed peafowls never decayed. As a result, they symbolized eternal life. Also, peacocks pulled the chariot of the Greek goddess Hera.
As Greek mythology states, Hera’s servant was the guardian of Io and was killed by Hermes. So, in honor of her faithful servant, Hera imprinted his watchful eyes onto the tail feathers of the peacock.
Ashkenazi Jews believe the golden peacock symbolizes creativity and joy. Further, they use peacock feathers as quills to draw on a writer’s inspiration.
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Peacock Symbolism in Your Dreams
You’re very fortunate if you dream of peacocks. Besides giving you a lovely show, they symbolize good things to come. You’re likely at a pleasant and comfortable place in life if peacocks are entering your subconscious.
Peacock symbolism in dreams may hold several meanings, but they are mostly positive, rest assured. When studying your peacock dream, consider your feelings and memories during the dream. This will help you further clarify its meaning.
Dreaming of Many Peacocks
If multiple peacocks meet you in your dreams, it’s a good sign of wealth and prosperity. Your life has an abundance of joy and luck, and you receive gifts well. You’re always generous with your wealth and belongings, and others appreciate you for it.
Dreaming of many peacocks also represents the abundance of love in your life. You are well-loved by your family, friends, and romantic partner. You also have plenty of love to offer them in return.
Further, this dream may also signify fertility and upcoming parenthood. Now is a healthy and happy season in your life, and more abundance is yet to come. During this time, it’s important to maintain your spiritual practice and thank the universe.
Dreaming of Peacock Calling
If a peacock is crying out in your dream, it’s a sign that changes are coming your way. Something big is about to happen in your life that you may not be ready for, and this dream is a warning. However, you should be excited because it’s a positive change.
Hearing a peacock in your dream is also a symbol of your awakened spirituality. Your spiritual beliefs are strong, and you can call on the universe to manifest your dreams. This is a reminder to listen to the voice within you.
A peacock’s piercing call also represents the loud energy your soul has. You’re a wild spirit, and your energy never fades. You always use your energy for good, and your light shines strong.
Dreaming of a Male and Female Peacock
If you dream of a peacock with a peahen, it signifies budding romance in your life. You’re prepared for the next great love of your life, and it will be exceptional. If you’ve been hesitant to move forward with someone, it’s a sign that you’re ready to link up.
This dream can also symbolize your fertility and empathy. You have a gentle, kind, respectful soul, and others often confide in you. You’re in a position to offer wise counsel to your friends and family.
Further, this dream represents transformation and new opportunities. You will confidently step into the next chapter of your life and take these new opportunities. You will also have the chance to foster your social and professional networks.
Peacock Omens
Encountering peacocks is a positive omen, and it’s also a reminder to check your ego. When you see peacocks in real life, they bring wealth and good fortune. If you find a peacock feather, it’s a good sign that you’ll soon level up.
Peacock omens are generally positive and represent good opportunities and good luck. They also represent inner and outer beauty. Any time you encounter a peacock, appreciate its beauty and be grateful for the sighting.
Peacock As a Spirit Animal
Peacocks are graceful and powerful spirit animals that have a royal aura. Their majesty is impressive, and their spiritual energy is beautiful and bright. If your spirit animal is the peacock, you have a strong-willed soul, and you never back down.
Peacock spirit animals are honest, sometimes to their own detriment. However, they would never give up their integrity or honor. If your spirit is a peacock, you care as much about your outward appearance as your inward nature, and you take pride in yourself.
Further, you live your life with dignity, and you pride yourself in your accomplishments. However, you should be careful not to let your ego overtake you. You must learn to stay humble.
Peacock As a Totem Animal
If you have a peacock totem, it reminds you to be graceful and honorable in your actions. Everything you do is seen by others, so you must learn to tread carefully and not to overreact. Your ancestors had royal links, and the peacock reminds you of that.
Also, peacock totems remind you to empathize with others and be charitable. You have great worldly wealth, and you must delegate it reasonably. You must also stay vigilant over yourself and your fortune and keep watch over your loved ones.
Your peacock totem also reminds you to stay confident and be a leader. Despite your flaws, you have what it takes to step up and be an example for others. Share your positive light with the world.
Peacock As a Power Animal
You can call on the peacock as a power animal to deliver energy of grace, beauty, and confidence. A peacock’s energy will also grant you patience and wisdom. Overall, as power animals, peacocks will bring positive energy to your endeavors.
If you’ve entered a new relationship, you can summon the peacock power animal to grant you patience and understanding to deepen your love. You’ll be rewarded with grace and honesty, and you’ll feel more respectful toward your new partner. In any new relationship, times can be tough, but the wisdom and grace of the peacock are sure to guide you well.
Similarly, if you’ve entered a new profession or stepped into a new workforce, the peacock’s energy will give you the confidence to succeed. With your confidence, you’ll be able to impress those you need to at work. In time, your diligence and effort will lead to wealth and good fortune.
If you’re unsure of yourself or your inner beauty, call on the peacock to remind you of who you are. The peacock’s energy will give you boldness and confidence if you’re feeling shy. If you’re feeling tired, call on the peacock for strength and steady hands.
Peacock Tattoo
Mainly, peacock tattoos symbolize vitality, grace, honor, and intelligence. They can also symbolize self-love, confidence, power, and spirituality. Peacock tattoos are some of the most stunning tattoos to exist, and they come in varied sizes, colors, and designs.
Peacock feather tattoos are a symbol of vigilance and intelligence. They can also represent your guardian angel or your connection to your psychic side. Further, they represent beauty and mysticism.
As with any tattoo, the meaning behind peacock tattoos is deeply personal. When you successfully accomplish something, considering a peacock tattoo to honor your achievement is a good idea. Every peacock tattoo is unique and holds a very special, personal meaning to the wearer.
Conclusion
Now that you know all about ancient and modern peacock symbolism, you’ll ponder their appearance the next time you see one. Remember their spiritual symbols of grace, beauty, royalty, and confidence, and always come back to this guide for assistance interpreting a peacock dream.
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