From Blues to Greens: A Guide to Peacock Feather Colors
The colorful peacock feathers that my daughters collected in Rajasthan are now used by me. Those flowing tail feathers once dragged by the peacocks over the lawns of hotels, temples and villages of Rajasthan now stand in my vases along with reeds. The peacock feather colors now enhance the beauty of my rooms. It is a great idea to use peacock feather for interior decorations at home.
Adult peacocks shed approximately 100-150 tail feathers at the end of each breeding season. Indian law permits trade in shed feathers only.
Uncovering the Hidden Meanings of Peacock Feather Colors
What does a Peacock Feather look like?
Have you held a peacock feather in hand? Have you seen the intricate parts of peacock’s feathers? Holding one, up and close, I was mesmerised by the peacock feather colors. A peacock feather is unique and strikingly beautiful structure that is characterized by its vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Each feather is made up of two distinct parts: the shaft and the barbs.
A peacock’s feathers have a central stem, shaft, with an array of barbs.
The shaft is the central part of the feather and serves as its backbone. It is long and slender, with a smooth surface that is typically brown or black in color. The shaft also has a slight curve to it, which gives the feather a graceful, flowing shape.
The barbs are the thin, flat structures that extend out from either side of the shaft. Each barb has a flat array of flat barbules, structures which disperse the incoming light and create the coloration we see. They are arranged in a fan-like pattern that can resemble an eye or a series of overlapping circles and are responsible for the feather’s intricate design.
The barbs are what give the peacock feather its signature iridescent quality, reflecting light in a way that creates a stunning display of colors. Observe them under a microscope, to see that the microhooks keep the peacocks’ iconic eyespots latched together.
The Spectacular Beauty of Peacock Feather Colors: A Visual Journey
The Tale of Tail
Peacock feathers are impressive. These iridescent tail feathers is technically known as its train. They make up a long, flowing display of color up to six feet behind him, that is more than 60 percent of the bird’s total body length. The crest feathers give the peacocks their Latin name. They’re called Pavo cristatus, the crested pheasant.
The physical properties of the peacock’s feather allow them to strum at a rhythm that matches their feather train’s natural frequency.
Peacock Feather Photography
The shimmering hues of a peacock’s feather have been a source of aesthetic and scientific admiration for thousands of years. I have used them for decorating my home.
One particular bunch is positioned (not deliberately) in such a way that at around five in the evening the rays of setting sun falls on them and there is a beautiful play of colors. It lasts for just around 10 to 15 minutes. Usually I sit with a cup of hot tea around that time, but end up having it cold. The feathers shimmer with an emerald luminescence and are quite a distraction.
I have focused my lens on them a number of times, trying to capture its colors from different angles, never have I got the same results. Particularly the eye of the feather; it is an intricate structure. Not only do artists find it difficult to imitate in art but also the photographers find it hard to capture through lens.
Peacock feather photography – How Peacock Feathers Get Their Colors: An Insightful Guide
Significance of Peacock feather
In Hinduism, God Kartikeya the Hindu god of war, rides a peacock called Paravani. Therefore, the peacock is considered sacred and if you keep its feather in your homes, it said to protect you from the evil energies and bring in good lucky. The bird is associated with the goddess of wealth and good fortune, Lakshmi, and having a feather in the home is said to protect you from evil.
The peacock feather (mor pankh) is a secret symbol of God Krishna. It has been said that the peacock is a manifestation of Krishna Bhagwan himself, and that by wearing or carrying a peacock feather, one can attract his blessings and bring prosperity and peace into their lives.
Many astrologers advise to keep Peacock feathers at home. According to astrology, keeping peacock feathers in the house is considered auspicious because it removes all the negative energies from the house and brings positive vibes.
It is auspicious and lucky to keep peacock feathers in the east direction of the house. Astrologers advise, people who have Rahu defect in their horoscope should keep peacock feathers in the northwest direction.
It is the symbol of harmony and fortune, attracts well-being, celebrations, and colours. In some Native American cultures, the peacock feather represents protection and good luck. The vibrant colors of peacock feathers have also been used in fashion and decor to signify opulence, luxury, and extravagance.
Eye of peacock feather – A Colorful Journey Through History and Mythology
Lizards view peacocks as predators, so placing peacock feathers near their usual hangout spots really does make them scurry away. In order to keep snakes and lizards away from your living area, place 2 to 3 peacock feathers on the door of your house.
Science of Peacock Feather
Pigment particles are embedded into the newly grown feathers during the molting season. At the end of every mating season the male peacocks shed their feathers. This can happen very quickly with a mature peacock losing all it’s tail feathers within a week.
They absorb light of certain wavelength or disperse the reflected light and thus contribute to the color of the plumage. Interference of light causes the shimmer of a Peacock Feather Iridescence. Each feather consists of tiny flat branches. When light shines on the feather, we see thousands of glimmering colored spots, each caused by minuscule bowl-shaped indentations.
(notice the difference in the color of the eye, I did not use flash for any of these peacock feather pictures)
The Enchanting World of Peacock Feather Colors: Discovering Their Wonders
The peacock feathers don’t change colors, instead the changing colors of a peacock feather are due to the change in angle of incident light, combined with a complex structure of indentations and plate-like layers called micro-lamellae. In general, the diversity of the feather’s colors can be explained by two factors:
- pigments on one side and
- simple structures in the feathers which interfere with the incident light.
The colors also depend on the different colors of peacocks. The Indian peacock has iridescent blue and green plumage, mostly metallic blue and green, but the green peacock has green and bronze body feathers.
You will never see a faded peacock feather. The bright, iridescent, green and blue feathers don’t bleach in the sun or discolor over time
Chemical Composition of Peacock Feather
Peacock’s feathers were found to be rich in manganese, iron, copper, and zinc in discrete non-overlapping patterns, suggesting independent mechanisms of deposition.
They consist of an outer cortex in the form of a circular hollow self-similar cone, filled by a low density foam, the medulla. Both are made of the same keratin, which is subsequently called peacock keratin.
Ayurveda Medicine from Peacock Feathers
Mayūrapuccha Bhasma (Calx of peacock feather) is an Ayurvedic animal product prepared from peacock feathers by employing two different methods as mentioned in Siddhayogasaṅgraha and Bhaiṣajya saṁhitā. It is mainly used in treatment in vomiting, hiccough, and respiratory disorder. (This is only for information. Please consult a doctor if you have health issues.)
Artificial Peacock Feathers
Artificial peacock feathers can be made from material such as artificial foam, peacock feather and feather foam. Every trader or vendor of peacock feathers must have a valid wildlife permit with regards to how these have been procured. If these are certified naturally shed feathers that are being sold, then it is legitimate.
Be sure to check it lest you get the artificial feathers. Do not buy peacock feathers from roadside; it may be a wildlife crime. Peacock feathers are a banned export item.
Conclusion
A peacock feather is a beautiful and complex structure that is characterized by its unique coloration and intricate patterns. Its combination of vibrant colors and intricate design has made it a favorite of artists, designers, and nature enthusiasts alike, and it continues to inspire awe and wonder in those who behold it.
Did you know of a Jain Temple construction themed on peacock feathers? Read more: Mandaragiri Guru Mandir.
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Oh my god… This is incredible… Awesome…
Just beautiful! Very elegant feathers. Wonderful colours.
I popped over here from Manz’s new initiative, promoting us ‘cool’ CC participants, hehe.
Love the photography. It is so true when taking a picture…to see it is to believe it for sure. However…those are pretty amazing shots! My drink would go cold as well…
Beautiful! I too had a long peacock feather, but lost when shifting home 🙁
Ooolala, how lovely the colors are. And the photos are just so perfect. I even saw an elephant figurine, right?
You might try hanging little mirrors in the garden for light play. Thanks for the lovely post.
Peacock feathers are amazing. Love the vibrant colours and details you captured.
Entertaining post with wonderful images.
Nature has some of the most inspirational colour palettes – I can see some interior design based around some of these images!!
Beautiful photos and thanks for all the information, I learned something new reading your post
Very beautiful snaps. Both in Rajasthan and Gujarat one can see them in the fields in the remote areas. It is nice to see people not harming them.
This piece reminds me of my childhood when we used to collect peacock feathers.
They say that if you preserve them, they will bring prosper to us.
Indrani: Beautiful feathers from a neat bird.
Very beautiful – it’s nice to be able to see them up so close.
Peacocks are beautiful. I love it’s colors!
I love watching peacock feathers too. They have the most beautiful colors.
Lovely shots and accompanying info. Thanks!
what a beautiful peacock feathers, it’s like rainbow colors.
Love those peacocks !!!
Nice shots of the feathers..
I’m going out to a friends place tomorrow …she has peacocks wandering around her yard. I’m taking my camera 🙂
Very nice post. I enjoyed the photos.
Craig Glenn
My aunt used to have a couple peacock feathers, but I don’t know what happened to them. Hmmm
Your photos of these are very pretty! I love all the colors!
Extremely beautiful. Great information and photos. It is always good to learn something new.
Beautiful feathers. My photo today is a white peacock!
Beautiful and I learned something!
Fantastic! Only, I wonder if prolonged exposure to the sun might make the colours fade.
Lovely photos and very informative post. I didn’t know about the indentations. That’s fascinating!
It is amazing how they look like eyes and the play of the light gives them a three dimensional aspect. One of the many miracles of nature!
You had a good go at reproducing the effect – the final shot is very close.
these pics are amazing…there’s a different colour of the eye in each pic
Very lovely shots, but I especially enjoyed your mental photograph of them dragging around all the places they came from. Wonderful connection with time and place!
Splendid close-up.. The pattern looks like a giant eye!
Great colors, love this set 🙂
amazing pictures Indrani, I was brought up for a bit in Pilani, Rajesthan..and your pics took me there..and a very well described and informative post. Like your style!!
WOW!!!! you seem to be as fascinated by peacock feathers as I am…..just a bit of curiosity… where did you (or rather, your daughters) collect the feathers?? didnt know you could get any easily… thought one had to buy them…..
The beautiful colour Peacock blue is also named after the Peacock.
When we were young once we lived in Jaipur, and we had these peacocks who lived in nearby trees, they used to make a lot of loud noises, and fly from one neem tree to another. Sometimes they’d leave beautiful feathers in our garden.
Once they had babies (not sure what they are called)and I still remember my parents being very upset because our dog killed some of them…
lovely snaps… back in my hometown we have a peacock and a few peahens living in our colony.. ! they come to our house often.. we feed them kurmure’s… !!!
amazing that things so near us are so beautiful.. only we need to notice them… which u do !
Your theme today is unique and the photos were captured artistically
This is so interesting and beautiful! Nice blog indeed.
Wow your close up shot of the peacock feathers are so beautiful. Have a nice weekend.
Yes, every photo has a different
color feather,
I like those colors 🙂
Great shots, I like also that little elephant..
My girls
came always at home with
pigeons feathers,
that is not something to collect 🙂
Hi Indrani! TGIF and a holiday here!! Finally I’ve time to enjoy your blog!
Wonderful peacock feathers! They remebered me the City Palace in Jaipur… Also loved the Pushkar post!!
Blogtrotter is still turning around Vilnius. Enjoy and have a great long weekend!
Indrani….. these photos are magnificent, they really are.
I love peacock feathers. I always have and you have caught them in all their glory! Brilliant!
Peacock feathers are so nice and picturesque. I always remember, in a trip of many years ago, peacocks spreading their fantastic tails in the Bois de Boulogne in Paris.
Oh these remind me of the peacock feathers my mom beautifully arranged in our living room.
I loved them, too!
I’m fascinated by your scientific view of explaining the effect of light, and lenses to the object of your choice. Very artistic! Peacocks are truly regale inland birds with colourful plumage.
I used to be fascinated by peacock feathers as a small child – wonderful that yours have such a history.
No matter how often one sees them, one cannot help marvelling at the bright beautiful colours of nature.
I have always loved peacock feathers but they never lasted long because I always played with them.
These feathers are absolutely beautiful. I would love to be able to see them in person.
Those are such beautiful feathers. We had some in a vase in our living room when I was growing up. Peacock blue has since been one of my favourite colours. Wonderful photos.
Your photos are breathtaking, Indrani, and the colors are stunning! I have a “thing” about peacock feathers, too, and really enjoyed all the information! Thanks for a great post, as usual!
Peacock (males) are amazingly beautiful, but I like them best from afar as they make so much noise. Don’t compare to guinea fowls though!