Symbolic Meanings of Peacock
The peacock is strongly associated with Christianity as it has been featured as a protective symbol of the Church dating back to the 4th century. It is said to be associated with the eyes of God, with its innumerable feathers representing God’s attentive sight and love in all things. Furthermore, the peacock is a symbol of immortality in the faith, since, due to its vast and bright feathers, it is often seen as the representative of Jesus’s infinite love. This makes the bird a potent symbol of resurrection, representing Jesus’s ascension into heaven and his eternal life, even after death.
Channeled by the power of the Holy Spirit, peacocks also appear to be an icon of divine guidance in Christianity. As the Bible states, “the Holy Spirit will guide you into all the truth”. By focusing on the beauty of the peacock’s feathers, Christians are spiritually reminded to seek comfort in God’s presence, to avoid negative and impure thoughts, and to remain faithful in times of distress.
Veneration of Peacock
The bird is also venerated in many of the Church’s artwork and figures. In the 16th century, the peacock was sculpted into the base of the baptismal font found in St Mark’s Basilica, which is said to represent the resurrection of Christ. Its feathers also feature in many stained glass windows, showing the strength of the Church and protecting it from any sort of negativity. In some old paintings, peacocks are seen draped over the cross, signifying faith in Jesus’s sacrifice. The size of their feathers is also symbolic, as lesser birds have lesser feathers and thus represent the insignificance of small faith and sin.
Symbolism of Color
The peacock is also known for its stunning array of colors. This spectrum of blues and greens is seen as a symbol of the many hues of hope and joy found within Christianity. It is said that the blue of the peacock’s feathers symbolizes divine protection, while the surrounding green represents the cyclical nature of life everlasting. This is often linked to the idea of the everlasting forgiveness of sin and resurrection. The peacock is also said to embody the Divine Trinity with its three primary colors, red, blue and yellow signifying the Trinity of God.
Spiritual Mystery
To many, the peacock also symbolizes spiritual mystery. Its feathers are said to hold miraculous powers and cause for reminders of the spiritual mystery that cannot be explained. It also represents the spiritual quest which leads to the discovery of self. Christians believe that the eyes of the peacock are blessings of insight and awareness, urging us to look deeper and not to be fooled by what appears on the surface of things.
Gathering the Flock
The peacock’s appeal to believers is further manifested on their use of the bird as a representation of the gathering of believers, or the body of Christ. This manifests as peacocks gathering in a circle display around the Church, resembling the way in which people come together to worship, signify faith, and settle in the love of God. In this way, it functions as a reminder of the joy and comfort that comes from being united with the Church.
A Source of Strength
To sum up, the peacock is a potent symbol of the power and resilience of faith, signifying the virtuousness of devotion and the celebration of life. Its feathers depict the many eyes of God and remind believers everywhere to seek solace in the embrace of their faith and lean on its strength in times of need. By being mindful of the virtues associated with the peacock, it is hoped that loyal followers of Christ will never cease from cherishing the riches that their religion has to offer.
Protection of Followers
The peacock is also seen to be a symbol of protection, able to translate believers’ intentions of keeping away the evils of life. This idea is further echoed in the Christian artworks where the bird is seen with wings spread, this time to protect and nurture those holding onto the faith. The peacock is seen to represent the shield and sword, with its wings being a source of defense while its beak being the weapon to fight off the enemies of God.
Testimony to Sacrifice
By associating the peacock with Jesus, the motif is intimately tied to the blood sacrifice and mercy of Jesus, as it is seen to be a representation of the everlasting love of God. In this way, it serves as a reminder for people in their faith that Jesus was sacrificed for their sins, thus testifying to God’s immeasurable mercy and goodness.
Beneficial Characteristics
Additionally, the peacock is representative of the many beneficial qualities that one must have in order to have a successful spiritual journey in their faith. These qualities include faith, hope, love, kindness, courage and strength. By embodying these characteristics, the peacock is seen to further extend the beauty and admiration of the faith, ensuring that God’s graces are acknowledged and embodied in its faithful believers.
Love for All
Last but not least, the peacock in Christianity is a symbol of love for all, an idea of God’s beauty and infinite mercy. This is manifested through the peacock’s association with the Church, with its feathers signifying the many eyes of God watching over us, reminding us that no matter how hard things may become, God’s love is always there. Believers are thus further reassured of their faith, as it enables them to recognize the presence of the divine spirit in everyday life, with the love of God being a source of joy and strength.
