Peacocks, and the colourful and flamboyant feathers (see Feathers) prominently featured in the extravagant tail display of the male Peacock have often been featured in tattoos, particularly those with an Asian or Far Eastern theme. We have all heard the expression, "Proud as a Peacock". The expression was first used by Chaucer in the 14th century and still works today. Pride, vanity and strutting arrogance, those are the qualities we immediately attribute to the handsome Peacock. But its astonishing beauty -- especially its magnificent plumage -- has gained it a symbolic presence in temples, royal gardens, and even at the gates of Paradise, according to one Muslim legend.
The Peacock is known as "the bird of 100 eyes", due to the patterning in its tail feathers. The "eyes" became a favourite mythic metaphor as all-seeing witnesses to hidden transgressions. The concept found its way into religious belief as the symbol of beatific vision. In the ancient myths of Egypt, Greece, and Rome, the Peacock feather was a symbol of the "evil eye", and even today the Peacock feather is viewed with suspicion and kept out of the house in some parts of Europe.
Below you will find a gallery of inspirational images that will help you in your quest of creating the perfect peacock tattoo.
Also Check out: Bird Tattoo Index
