Peacock Symbolism - Peacock Association With Easter

Peacocks are associated with rebirth and immortality, and this might have stemmed from the ancient myth that said peacocks body doesn't decay even after its death. Also, the peacocks shed their feathers every year and replace those with new feathers. All these might have contributed to their association with life and rebirth, and they got linked with Easter which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Two peacocks drinking from a chalice actually symbolizes rebirth. It has been said that both Origen and Augustine referred  to peacocks as symbol of resurrection.  Peacocks may not be popular as Easter bunnies, but they certainly had much importance during the time of Easter in older times and it was common to decorate churches with peacock feathers on Easter day.

Peacock feathers are considered evil by Greek, Romans and Egyptians most probably due to the Greek myth that associated the peacock plumage with the monster eyes of Argus, who was the loyal servant of Greek Goddess Hera. However, it appears that peacocks represent rebirth, renewal and life in Christianity. There is also a belief linked to this which says peacocks have the power to dispel evils. Many ancient paintings and other art works show peacock feathers in the four wings of angels.

White peacock is always a symbol of purity.

Peacocks are seen as symbols of royalty and elegance in many cultures, especially in Southeast Asia and the monarchs used the feathers of peacocks mostly in hair accessories or hand fans as a symbol of royalty. Green peafowls were once very common in countries like Thailand, Indonesia and Burma and many Burman monarchs considered these peacocks as a symbol of their royalty.

Peacocks have always been a subject of paintings and other art works, including pottery and stoneworks, and also literature and poetry. Blue peacocks or the Indian peafowls are native to the Indian subcontinent and peacock designs in the traditional dresses and jewelry are very  popular in India. The presence of a peacock is also considered very sacred and auspicious in India and it is linked to the presence of God itself. 

Peacocks are also the guardians of paradise,  according to the beliefs in many ancient cultures.

In brief, peacock is a symbol of beauty, elegance, royalty and also inner wisdom and rejuvenation. Some believe peacock feathers bring bad luck, while there are many who believe that peacock feathers can bring good luck. They are also seen as sacred animals and most importantly they are associated with new beginnings, birth and also the onset of spring. To me, these amazing birds are always symbols of life, beauty and grace!