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. 

Learn more about Janalyn Voigt and her books.

Popular Plants in Medieval Herb Gardens

Spring colour and a profusion of scents in the replica medieval herb garden at Stafford Castle. 
Image courtesy of Simon Huguet / Herb Garden, Stafford Castle.(CC BY-SA 2.0)

Popular Plants in Medieval Herb Gardens

Engaging your senses is the best way to experience history. Watch a castle documentary (or visit one in person) and you’ll travel into the Middle Ages. Touch the rough stone of the 1831 version of London bridge and you’ll stand above the Thames despite the fact that it spans the Bridgewater Channel canal at Lake Havasu, Arizona. Smell the aroma of lavender and lace-gloved ladies will walkl through your imagination. Listen to an antique music box and travel into a bygone era. 

Escape with Janalyn Voigt into creative worlds of fiction.

One of my favorite ways of connecting with the past is through sense of taste. I love to cook and have an affinity for growing herbs. The medieval herb garden I planted has survived the intrusions of life that kept me from tending it for several years. That makes such a garden perfect for a busy author. If you have similar demands on your time but still want to enjoy gardening, planting a medieval herb garden is a good way to go.

Note: DawnSinger (Tales of Faeraven, book one) was selected for the Amazon Monthly Ebook Deal list for March 2019. This book is on special through March. Read the description and follow the link at the end of this article.

Importance of the Medieval Herb Garden

While vegetables and grains were cultivated in the fields, tending and preserving herbs fell to the lady of the manor. Herbs grown in medieval times fell into three categories: culinary, medicinal, and household. The most useful crossed categories.

Herbs were valued far more in the Middle Ages than they are today, particularly the medicinal variety. Culinary herbs enlivened the palate but weren’t eaten for taste alone. They provided necessary nutrients during the winter when greens were scarce and could also disguise rancid meats. Household herbs like lavender, rosemary, and pennyroyal were used to repel pests and freshen the air.

Medicinal herbs found in medieval gardens 

I suggest that you do your research and consult a qualified professional before growing herbs for medicinal use. With proper guidance, growing fresh herbs can be beneficial. You should know that some (such as rue) mentioned here are considered toxic in modern times. Also, it’s possible to overdose on willow bark and possibly others I’ve listed. I am not an herbalist. My goal is not to advise you on your health needs. This article is meant only to impart information about herbs in history.

Medicinal herbs popular in the Middle Ages included clary sage, chamomile, comfrey, dandelion, feverfew, hyssop, lavender, rue, sage, peppermint, goosegrass, tansy, willow bark, and garlic. Feverfew and willow bark helped with headaches. Lavender, sage, and peppermint aided the digestion. Comfrey, and goosegrass mended broken bones, cuts, and lesions. Dandelion, hyssop and rue were given as purgatives. Clary sage (also known as ‘clear eye’) found a use as an eyewash. Chamomile’s sedative effects countered sleeplessness.

Culinary herbs grown in medieval gardens.

Basil, curry, dill, cumin, lavender, coriander, rosemary, sage, savory, oregano, and tarragon made their way into the kitchen. Many were dried for winter, but others (like winter savory) flourished despite cold weather. To provide variety in drab winter months, cooks also relied upon rosehip and other herbed jams and jellies.

Household herbs popular in the Middle Ages. 

Lavender, rosemary, and sage show up again in this category. Along with citron, pennyroyal, and parsley, they sweetened the air and deterred pests.

Designing your medieval garden.

For ideas, search online for images of your ideal garden. You’ll find pictures and descriptions in Plan a Medieval Garden, a previous post I wrote on this topic.

About Janalyn Voigt

Janalyn Voigt's unique blend of adventure, romance, suspense, and whimsy 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.

DawnSinger

The High Queen is dying... 

At the royal summons, Shae mounts a wingabeast and soars through the air to the high hold of Faeraven, where all is not as it seems. Visions warn her of danger, and a dark soul touches hers in the night. When she encounters an attractive but disturbing musician, her wayward heart awakens. 

But then there is Kai, a guardian of Faeraven and of Shae. Secrets bind him to her, and her safety lies at the center of every decision he makes. 

On a desperate journey fraught with peril and the unknown, they battle warlike garns, waevens, ferocious raptors, and the wraiths of their own regrets. Yet, they must endure the campaign long enough to release the DawnKing and the salvation he offers into a divided land. 

To prevail, each must learn that sometimes victory comes only through surrender.

Learn More>>