What Does a Peacock Feather Symbolize?
Peacocks are a deeply symbolic bird, and as such their feathers have become steeped in meaning. The precise meaning often depends on the culture and the context the feather appears in.
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Generalities: Negative
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Peacocks are often regarded as vain and foolish birds, and their presence symbolizes indulgent decadence. Their feathers are thus often a sign of vanity, as well as bacchanalian excess.
Generalities: Positive
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Peacock feathers represent pride, and by extension, nobility and glory. Peacocks are also known to eat poisonous plants with no ill effects, making their feathers a symbol of incorruptibility and immortality.
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Ancient Greek Meanings
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In ancient Greece, the peacock was the patron bird of the goddess Hera. According to myth, she placed "eyes" on its feathers, symbolizing all-seeing knowledge and the wisdom of the heavens.
Hindu Meanings
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Hindu mythology associates peacocks with the god Lakshmi. The feathers thus represent his qualities: kindness, patience and good fortune.
Buddhist Meanings
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Buddhists associate peacock feathers with openness, since the birds display everything when they spread their tails. Buddhists also ascribe great meaning to the bird's diet of poisonous plants--the ability to thrive in the face of suffering.
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Resources
- Photo Credit peacock image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
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The ability to thrive in the face of suffering.
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That was interesting xx thanks ss
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I am going to get one feather, cuz less is more right ;)
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So are you getting one feather or the whole plumage (i think thats what its called)?
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My next tattoo, I have decided! Buddhists associate peacock feathers with openness, since the birds display everything when they spread their tails. Buddhists also ascribe great meaning to the bird's diet of poisonous plants--the ability to thrive in the face of suffering.
