This photo was taken of the stained glass window behind the alter where we had Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. Peacocks were a theme that ran through our pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Originating with an ancient legend that the flesh of the peacock did not decay, Christians adopted the symbol of the peacock to represent immortality and the incorruptability of the soul. Because it sheds its old feathers and grows new ones every year, the peacock is also associated with the resurrection of Christ. The peacock also symbolizes fidelity since they are faithful to one partner. Sometimes, the peacock is shown drinking from a vase. This symbolizes a christian drinking the waters of eternal life. In addition the " multitude of eyes" upon its stunningly beautiful fan tail, suggested the all seeing eye of God. Wherever I saw the symbol on the pilgrimage, it was associated with the Eucharist as it is in this photo of the stained glass window.
Mosaic floor in a church in Galilee where the multiplication of loaves and fish took place.
Top of one of the alter pieces in the Orthodox Church of Mary's Tomb in Jerusalem
where it is believed that she was assumed into heaven.
On our last day, we actually saw some real peacocks in Jericho.
And finally, we found prayer shawls with peacocks on them
- a nice souvenir of our travels through the Holy Land.
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