Few animals more perfectly capture the ideals of beauty and grace than peacocks. These regal birds have been associated with royalty and have been for centuries included in the paintings of kings and queens in kingdoms ranging from India all the way to Europe.
The “thousand eyes” contained in their tail feathers reinforce their mystical nature and have inspired even deeper significance of these vibrant birds, not always positive. Despite the varied significance that these birds hold in different cultures around the world, one thing is certain: They make for excellent tattoos.
Thanks to this unique and instantly identifiable plumage, many people choose to get a peacock tattoo design, or oftentimes, just a tattoo of peacock tail feathers. The fundamental grace and beauty of these feathers mean that they can be incorporated into almost any tattoo design as a way to add a splash of color and enhance the overall design.
The following tattoos are just a taste of what is possible when these powerful symbols of beauty and royalty are incorporated into a variety of styles and methods.
1. Black and Gray Peacock Feather Tattoos
There is something inexplicably classy about black and gray tattoos. Through the application of precise linework, smooth gradation of black and gray tones, or simple black ink, a talented can create tattoos that turn heads while achieving an elegance that other designs lack. This is especially impressive when tattooing such a fundamentally colorful subject as a .
2. Color Peacock Feather Tattoos
Vibrant colors and bold designs work together to create visually stunning tattoos. When this style is utilized to recreate such striking subjects as feathers, the effect can be jaw-dropping. The level of detail in these feathers gives artists endless opportunities to display their creativity and skill.
3. Delicate Peacock Feather Tattoos
Some people prefer the bold linework of American Traditional tattoos; however, for others, this approach comes off as a bit heavy-handed. For those with a gentler sensibility, feathers provide the perfect subjects to create these subdued and delicate pieces of .
4. Dreamy/Surrealistic Peacock Feather Tattoos
For some people, art is best suited to create work that reimagines the world in surreal ways. The work of Dali and Picasso may provide inspiration, while a ‘s provide excellent subjects, thanks to their vibrant colors and the unmistakable “eyes” held within each plume.
5. Floral Peacock Feather Tattoos
Flowers are steeped in in just about every culture around the world and are instrumental in the different ceremonies and rituals of people in every country on earth. When these floral elements are used in conjunction with feathers, the results can be breathtaking.
6. Geometric Peacock Tattoos
A growing trend in the current scene is the incorporation of geometric elements into designs. Sometimes, this means integrating elements of sacred geometry into , while others take a geometric approach to a . This method can make for some very interesting and unique tattoos.
7. Large Peacock Feather Tattoos
For many, tattoos are an opportunity to put their “bigger is better” mindset on display for the whole world. These large pieces are sure to turn heads, and when such impressive subjects as feathers are given this larger-than-life treatment, the results are extraordinary.
8. Peacock Feather Tattoos with a Flute
For many, life would not be worth living without the joy that music provides, and one way that people choose to display the importance of music in their life is by tattooing an instrument on their body. When incorporated with peacock feathers, such becomes a tribute to the beauty in the world around us.
9. Peacock Feather Tattoos with a Woman
Women are often considered the pinnacle of natural beauty and have been incorporated into art for decades. By including feathers, another common example of natural beauty, these tattoos become vibrant works of art dedicated to natural beauty.
10. Peacock Feather Tattoos with an Animal
Animals are packed full of symbolic power and personal significance. They make for excellent additions to any . Their endless variety means that there is an animal out there for everyone. When combined with the colors and textures of feathers, these visceral animal designs are enhanced by the beauty of this regal .
11. Peacock Feather Tattoos with Words
The addition of script into tattoos can take interesting designs to the next level by combining inspirational quotes, funny quips, or important dates. The level of artistry in many scripts transforms the words themselves into works of art that can literally be loaded with . Incorporating words into a is an excellent choice.
12. Realistic Peacock Feather Tattoos
Modern artists are able to achieve a level of realism in pieces that can leave the observer in a state of awe. These photo-realistic pieces put the ‘s technical skill on full display and make for powerful symbols of the wearer’s dedication to the subject matter.
13. Tiny Peacock Feather Tattoos
Some people prefer tattoos to be personal affairs, more like a secret whispered in the ear than a proclamation shouted from the rooftops. For these folks, tiny designs are better suited to convey their more subdued sensibilities. That isn’t to say they aren’t interesting tattoos, and feathers are perfect subjects for these subtle pieces.
14. Traditional Peacock Feather Tattoos
American Traditional work is the origin of modern Western tattooing and this simple but appealing style is perfectly suited to create . The bold lines and vibrant colors smoothly capture the striking nature of these feathers, making for excellent pieces that are sure to stand the test of time.
Peacock Feather Tattoo FAQ
What do peacocks symbolize?
Peacocks are visually striking animals; the bright color of their plumage and the way they proudly exhibit their regalia is one of the most unique and impressive displays in the natural world. It is no surprise that they have taken on a variety of significance in different cultures around the world.
In ancient Greek mythology, these majestic birds pulled the chariots of the goddess Hera and were said to carry the eyes of the stars in their plumage. Peacocks are native to the Indian subcontinent and, in Hinduism, are associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, beauty, and fertility.
In the Christian church, these creatures have a more complex and multifarious significance. The “eyes” in the tail feathers represent the all-seeing nature of the church, while the way male birds shed their feathers, only to regrow them each year, is associated with Jesus’ resurrection. Other stories and interpretations see the peacock as a symbol of vanity and pride, thanks to the way it flaunts its colorful feathers.
These beautiful birds have a variety of different meanings associated with them. This — along with their physical beauty — makes them excellent subjects for tattoos allowing people to place their own meaning and significance on these birds in order to create a more personal tattoo.
Are peacock feathers good luck?
Despite their stunning beauty and royal connotation, many consider peacock feathers to be bad luck. While the exact origins of this superstition are unknown, many believe it began in the Mediterranean, where these feathers are thought to contain the “evil eye” of the demon Lilith, a bringer of malady and foul luck. In Eastern Europe, they gained negative connotations thanks to the fact that they were worn by the invading Mongols in the 13th century.
This tradition was further solidified in the theater, and some more superstitious thespians still uphold this tradition, even banning these colorful feathers from entering a theater. It is believed that they will lead to all manner of theatrical mishaps, from forgotten lines and onstage fumbling to full-on cursed performances.
There is no doubt that for some folks, these beautiful feathers still hold nefarious connotations, but the majority of people today see these plumes for what they are: examples of nature’s beauty and splendor.
Did you enjoy these glorious peacock feather tattoo ideas? Check out the links below for more feathered galleries and ink inspiration: