Now that I’ve begun the Animal Spirits category,
I’ve been asked about the symbolism of the peacock. It’s been hiding on my About the Peacock’s Eyes page, so I thought I would repost it here:
Meaning and Symbolism of the Peacock
I chose the title, Through the Peacock’s Eyes, for a couple of reasons: the symbolism of the peacock, and its connection to the Hindu goddess Saraswati. The symbolism of the peacock is similar across many cultures, from Christianity where it represents patience, love, eternal life, and immortality, to Buddhism where it represents wisdom, kindness, and compassion. The Bodhisattvas, such as Quan Yin and Avalokiteshvara, are often associated with the peacock because as the peacock can eat poison and not be affected by it, the Bodhisattvas can take in the poisonous emotions of others and not be affected by them.
The peacock’s habit of replacing its feathers yearly and its connection to the phoenix also make it a symbol of renewal, rebirth, and reincarnation. In ancient Greek mythology, when the “all-seeing” 100-eyed giant Argus died, the goddess Hera preserved his eyes on the peacock to honor him. Thus the peacock’s eyes themselves represent seeing, insight, and wisdom. The eyes on the peacock’s feathers are also thought to represent the stars in the heavens.
The Goddess Saraswati
In Hindu mythology, the vehicle for the goddess Saraswati is often the peacock. Saraswati is the goddess of wisdom, knowledge and learning, creativity, music, language, and writing. As her vehicle, the peacock helps her navigate through the world with compassion, wisdom, and understanding.
Through the Peacock's Eyes 
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Again…PROFOUND!! ♥ Peacock has great significance and importance to me…but I did NOT know much of what you just shared!! Thank YOU!! I am truly grateful for this gift!!
You’re welcome and thank you again! 🙂 Have a lovely evening!
I love your explanation. Growing up in Africa, the peacock feather is a symbol of bad luck. I always wondered how something so beautiful would cause a belief system of a bad omen. I chose to believe it it’s beauty and sign of renewal and rebirth. Keep Opening. Love Grace
Thank you for commenting! I’ve also heard that finding a peacock feather (separated from the bird) is bad luck. I’m not sure where it comes from, but it may be symbolic of the peacock’s shedding of feathers and renewal, so indicating a “death” is coming, but for a rebirth! “Death” and change are typically seen as bad omens, as the rebirth and new part is not seen past the veil of fear.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/koolpix_nature/6338195383/
Very cool! Thank you!
This is fascinating, thanks for sharing Julianne. When I was a kid we moved to a large house (at one time a small farm) and there were hens and a peacock. I loved it, its feathers and got such a kick out of seeing it display its plumage. Unfortunately we had to rehome it as our rambunctious boxer dog took to chasing it up trees. I missed it. Interestingly I also feel a connection with Saraswati, whom I learned to link with for creative endeavours 🙂
Thanks Rory! Love that you have a connection to Saraswati too! Namaste _/l\_ 🙂
Loved reading your post – I’ve always been captivated by peacocks – they appear so serene.
Lovely!
I absolutely love them! thank you
You’re welcome! 🙂
Thank you for reposting it. Now I understand.
You’re welcome!
Very interesting. I’ve always thought peacocks were beautiful and now I know more about them! 🙂