What Does a Peacock Symbolize? Meaning, Metaphors, & Dreams

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Decoding the spiritual and cultural significance of the peacock

Co-authored by Amber Crain Reviewed by Jason Zuk

Last Updated: November 27, 2023 Fact Checked

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Symbolism

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Cultural and Spiritual Meanings

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Peacock Dreams

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Peacock Sightings

With their colorful plumage and unique mating rituals, peacocks are seen as symbols of beauty, confidence, and new beginnings—and that's just the tip of the iceberg. The rich symbolism of the peacock spans mythology, literature, and various cultures, and we'll be breaking it all down for you in this article. Keep reading to learn what peacocks symbolize, what it means when you see one, and how to interpret their appearances in your dreams.

Things You Should Know

Peacocks symbolize beauty, protection, new beginnings, and masculinity.
Dreams about peacocks are connected to positive renewal and growth.
Peacock sightings are good omens that represent self-love and acceptance.

Section 1 of 4:

What do peacocks symbolize?

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Beauty Peacocks have always been revered for their unique and colorful plumage, so it’s no surprise that they represent beauty, glamour, and aesthetics. During mating season, male peacocks fan out their bright feathers to create a flamboyant display as they strut in front of their potential mates.^{[1]
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- Because their mating ritual emphasizes appearances, peacocks are also associated with self-expression, confidence, and even vanity.
- With their connections to beauty and luxury, peacocks also came to be associated with royalty and nobility.
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Masculinity Most people associate peacocks with eye-catching blue and green feathers, but only male peacocks look like this. Female peacocks are rather plain-looking in comparison since their plumage tends to be gray, tan, brown, and cream. The popular image of the peacock, along with their elaborate mating rituals, have long been connected to ideas of masculinity.
- Over time, the word "peacock" also became a verb that describes the behavior of men who are proud of their appearance, style themselves to get attention, and strut around vainly. For example, "He peacocked in front of the crowd in his attention-grabbing outfit."
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Protection Peacocks are territorial birds that tirelessly defend their homes and mates from intruders (including other peacocks), especially during mating season, which is one reason why they may be associated with protection.^{[2]
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Research source} Additionally, colorful peacock feathers are believed to embody potent energy that can be used as a form of protection, similar to how the evil eye symbol is used.
- For example, a person might keep a peacock feather in their bedroom to protect them from negativity and bad dreams.
Male peacocks go through an annual molting period, during which time they shed all of their colorful feathers. Then, they spend a few months growing in new feathers before the next mating season arrives. Many people see the peacock’s connection to renewal as inspiration to shed their former identities and make room for better versions of themselves.
Male peacocks aren’t born with their vibrant feathers; they start their lives with tan and grey feathers, just like the females, and they don't stand out at all. In fact, they look very similar to a common pheasant! As young male peacocks grow and mature, though, their beautiful plumage comes in—just in time for mating season.^{[3]
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Research source} They quite literally transform into the most beautiful versions of themselves so they can forge new connections.

Section 2 of 4:

Cultural and Spiritual Meanings of Peacocks

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Chinese culture In China, the peacock is associated with prosperity, happiness, and fame. The fame connection is due to the spots on their tail feathers, which look very much like eyes. The peacock was an important symbol during the Ming Dynasty and represented beauty, power, high-born rank, and divinity.^{[4]
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- The Chinese also associate peacocks with the mythical phoenix bird, which goes up in flames before being reborn from its own ashes.
- In Feng Shui, peacock feathers are often used for protection and to attract positive energy.
Because of the many “eyes” on its tail plumage, ancient Egyptians associated the peacock with the All-Seeing Eye of Horus, which was a protective emblem. Egyptians also believed the peacock’s “eyes” belonged to Ra, the Sun God, and the peacock itself was the earthly manifestation of the mythical phoenix, which is associated with rebirth and transformation.^{[5]
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The peacock is celebrated as the national bird of India. In the Hindu religion, peacocks were thought to be sacred because Lord Krishna wore a crown of peacock feathers on his head and also decorated his flute with them. Peacocks were also associated with kindness, compassion, patience, and good fortune.^{[6]
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Greek mythology The peacock was a sacred bird to Hera, who was Zeus’ wife and queen of the gods. In one famous myth, Hera became jealous when Zeus started spending too much time with his mistress Io, so she recruited the hundred-eyed giant Argus to spy on him. Argus was murdered by Hermes, and Hera transferred his hundred eyes to the tail of the peacock as a tribute.^{[7]
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- Hera also chose peacocks to pull her chariot, which underscores their significance.
When open and on full display, the peacock’s tail represents openness and acceptance to Buddhists. Buddhists also associate peacocks with immortality since these birds are known to be able to eat poisonous plants that would kill a human. Additionally, peacock feathers represented purity and are used in Buddhist purification rituals.
To Christians, the peacock is a symbol of purity, renewal, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Early Christians often spread peacock feathers over their deceased loved ones before burial, and early Christian art depicts both peacocks and peacock feathers, especially near tombs, and in pieces that were specifically about transformation and Jesus’ resurrection.

Section 3 of 4:

Interpreting Peacock Dreams

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Peacock dreams are connected to positive renewal and growth. Dreaming of peacocks could indicate that you’re on a new path of spiritual growth and the dream might be the encouragement you need to explore your spiritual side. These dreams can also represent creativity and the need to embrace creativity in your life.
- The setting, overall tone, and how the peacock appears are all important factors when interpreting a peacock dream, so be sure to consider these elements.

Section 4 of 4:

Are peacocks good or bad omens?

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In most cultures, peacocks and peacock feathers are positive omens associated with good fortune. Seeing a peacock may mean that you have good luck coming your way, or that you need to embrace self-love and acceptance in your life so that your good luck will flourish.