Over 4000 years ago, the peacock reached Europe via Mesopotamia. Originally they were kept in parks and gardens because of their beauty, but roasted peacocks soon became a culinary status symbol. In addition, the feathers were very popular as 'dry bouquet' or decoration for ladies' hats. Peacocks appear in ancient folk tales, in which peacocks are associated with love and the gods. Some people believe that it is good luck to find a peacock feather.
A well-known story about peacock feathers comes from Greek mythology. Zeus the chief god was not exactly a faithful husband. When Hera, his wife, found out about his relationship with Io, she turned her into a cow, locked her in a cave and had her guarded by Argus, a giant with a hundred eyes. Zeus took pity on Io and sent Hermes to free her. Hermes decided to lull Argus to sleep with music. Once that was done, he killed the giant and freed Io. Hera was furious at the loss of her faithful servant, and set his eyes on the tail feathers of her favorite animal, the peacock.
In the Empire of China and in Manchuria, a peacock feather on the hat was a high distinction.
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