The Martlet

Peacocks feathers have fanned out over the last year as colourful designs and muses for stationery, home décor, clothing, accessories — and they’ve made their grand appearance in jewelry as well.

The craze isn’t just in North America, either. Peacock feathers carry different symbols and meanings throughout a vast array of cultures. Even while travelling in Ecuador, I stumbled upon markets with waist-high vases brimming with the colourful feathers.

I once met a girl who had a peacock feather tattoo. She explained she had gotten it for the beauty she saw in it, though she had taken a lot of flack because she was told it represented a bad omen.

So what’s all the fuss about?

Peacock feathers represent pride in many cultures — no surprise when you think of their hosts’ natural swagger. Peacocks are also able to consume poisonous plants and snakes without harm, which makes their feathers a symbol of immortality. Peacocks lose their feathers each year and, for that reason, are seen by many as symbols of renewal. Read on to find out what these trendy feathers represent according to different cultures and belief systems.

FENG SHUI The peacock’s mesmerizing colours and “thousand eyes” are believed to bring fame and luck and symbolize love and attraction. It’s recommended that single people wear the feathers as a “love cure” to attract a mate. (Well, if it’s that easy…)

EGYPTIAN, GREEK AND ROMAN MYTHOLOGY The peacock feather symbolizes “all-seeing” because of the dark “eye” at the end. It is also considered to be an “evil eye.”

HINDUISM There is a myth that says the peacock has “angel feathers, the devil’s voice and the walk of a thief.” Peacocks were found among Indian temples for over 4 000 years because of their snake-eating ability. The goddess of poetry, music and wisdom, Sarasvati, rode a peacock.

BUDDHISM Peacocks represent openness as well as the gift of thriving through suffering because of their ability to eat poisonous plants.

CHINESE CULTURE The birds represent divinity, fertility, rank, power and beauty, and are also a symbol of the Ming Dynasty.

Some cultures believed that peacock flesh did not decay after death — another reason it became a symbol of immortality. Some early Christian paintings and mosaics use peacock imagery, and that symbol of immortality can also be directly linked to Jesus Christ.

Peacocks have a lot going for them. They are perplexing animals whose eminent beauty and arrogance allow them to get away with their foul personalities. Admit it — you kind of want to piss off a peacock just to see those feathers.

Once, I was driving on a quiet country highway when I had to stop because of a peacock standing in the middle of the road. I honked and it fanned out its feathers, which led to my sitting there for about 10 minutes while it took its time crossing the road. Well played, peacock. Well played.

What’s the next animal jewelry trend? Keep your eyes peeled for the tiger’s eye gemstone.