The Peacock, a Medieval Symbol of Christ

If you’ve ever seen a peacock spread its tail feathers in a stunning display, you already know the splendor of this bird. If you were in a public place, you may have noticed the awe of the crowd that gathered. It’s not hard to understand how such a regal creature became a medieval symbol of Christ.

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The Peacock, a Medieval Symbol of Christ

The regal bird appeared in early Christian mosaics and paintings, often accompanied by the Tree of Life, beginning in the 3rd Century. The peacock adorned medieval manuscripts. It is found in decorative motifs on medieval churches and buildings. In the Middle Ages, the peacock was a Christian symbol of resurrection, renewal, and immortality. The birds decorated tombs and are found in Roman Catacombs where persecuted Christians sheltered. The imagery served as a comforting reminder of eternity in a perilous era. 

This fibula is one of a pair crafted in a workshop in northern France. The peacock likely reflects Roman or Byzantine influence, as it is not native to northern France. In early Christian art, the peacock was a symbol of immortality. Knowledge of the bird could have passed to northern France through the transmission of Christian iconography in textiles, books, and other portable objects. The fibula originally was one of a pair of brooches worn by women on either side of the chest. A second gold peacock fibula, plausibly the mate to Walters 57.570, belongs to the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest. Image courtesy of Walters Art Museum [Public domain].

How the Symbolism Came About

The connection with Jesus and His resurrection came about due to an ancient Greek belief that a peacock’s flesh did not decay after death. Another factor was that peacocks grow successively beautiful feathers after molting each year. The birds’ vibrant colors were said to come from the consumption of poisonous snakes. This reminded people of Christ’s becoming sin for our sakes. And the numerous eyes on the male’s tail feathers represented the all-seeing eye of God.

A Cherished Medieval Delicacy

In Roman times, peacock meat was consumed by the wealthiest members of society. During the Middle Ages, the peacock was also prized as a delicacy. In the 14th-century, King Richard’s Christmas feast included a peacock. After the bird was skinned and roasted, its skin with feathers attached was pulled back over it, making the cooked bird appear alive. The highest ranking lady would carry the roasted peacock in to the dining hall, and a knight carved the bird as a special honor.

A Reminder of God's Splendor

Next time you see a peacock, think of its medieval symbolism and how it points to the magnificence of God, revealed through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

About Janalyn Voigt

Janalyn Voigt's unique blend of adventure, romance, suspense, and whimsy creates breathtaking fictional worlds for readers. This multi-faceted storyteller writes in the historical fiction, romantic mystery, and medieval epic fantasy genres. Janalyn is a history enthusiast and romantic. These elements appear in everything she writes. 

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Birds that Symbolized Christianity in the Middle Ages

Birds represented the soul in medieval thought, capable of winging above worldly cares and possessions to reach God. The concept isn't hard to grasp. It ia, in fact, unforgettable. Individual birds took on special meanings in the Middle Ages, just as they do today. Some of the most notable are listed below and may surprise you.

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Birds that Symbolized Christianity in the Middle Ages

Crane

When the lead crane tired during flight, that bird would drop to the rear of the flock, to be replaced by another. The first thus became last, an example of humility. Christians also looked to cranes for a reminder of vigilance. This connection began with Pliny the Elder, a Roman naturalist, who taught that a single crane clutching a stone in its claw kept watch over the flock at night. If the feathered sentry began to fall asleep, the stone would fall and wake the crane. In medieval heraldry, a crane holding a stone became the very image of watchfulness.  

Dove

Found in the pages of the Bible, the dove represented the Holy Spirit, peace and purity in the Middle Ages as it does today.

Eagle

It was once believed that eagles flew near the sun, then plunged into water to renew their plumage and restore their youth. This idea was based on Psalm 103:5: “…so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.” (World English Bible) This association made the eagle a symbol of resurrection, new life, and Christ Himself.

Falcon

The falcon had two interpretations in the Middle Ages. As a persistent hunter, the wild falcon brought to mind evil thoughts and actions. However, the domesticated falcon represented the gentile converted to Christianity. This duality makes clear the peril of those separated from God and the mercy of God’s grace in offering salvation to all mankind.

Goldfinch

Because of a fondness for thistles thorns, the tiny goldfinch became a powerful symbol of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in dying to save lost sinners.
  

Peacock

In ancient times, people suggested that peacock flesh would not decay. The birds were thought to be immortal. Peacocks shed and regrow their tail feathers, a feat that reminded people of the death and resurrection of Christ.

Pelican

In the Middle Ages, pelicans were considered attentive to their young. A pelican who brought no food to the nest might even wound itself so its young could dine upon their parent’s blood. The pelican thus symbolized the passion of Christ, who poured out his blood for a starving world.

Deutsch: Friedrich Justin Bertuch, Bilderbuch für Kinder, 1790-1830 (Eigenbesitz), Fabelwesen.by Bertuch-fabelwesen.JPG: Friedrich Johann Justin Bertuch (1747-1822)derivative work: Tsaag Valren (Bertuch-fabelwesen.JPG) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Phoenix

Introduced into Christianity possibly during the first century, the Phoenix was a mythical bird of surpassing beauty from the Egyptian dessert. This bird was said to burn itself on a funeral pyre, only to rise from its ashes, restored to youth and ready to live out another long lifespan. Popular in medieval art, the phoenix represented the death and resurrection of Christ.  

Note from the Author

Maybe it’s because I write allegorical fiction, but symbolism fascinates me. The creatures and objects chosen to represent Christian spiritual concepts, the Christian Church, and in many cases, Christ Himself, reveal a lot about medieval culture. Needless to say, I’m hooked on this study. Every third month I'll offer a new post on this topic.

About Janalyn Voigt

Janalyn Voigt offers readers a unique blend of adventure, romance, suspense, and whimsy. She creates breathtaking fictional worlds for readers. Known for her vivid writing, this multi-faceted author writes in the western historical romance, medieval epic fantasy, and romantic suspense genres.

Janalyn is represented by Wordserve Literary Agency. Her memberships include ACFW and NCWA. When she's not writing, she loves to garden and explore the great outdoors with her family.

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