Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

The miraculous peacock feathers

Photo: zelensviat.com

In the past, bird feathers were worn by girls as adornment. People believed that they warded off evil spells, ill-fated encounters and evil. The feathers of certain birds were particularly potent. Pride of place was accorded to the male peacock and its beautiful plumage.

To see a peacock in your dreams is a good thing, reads the Bulgarian folklore dream-book. Peacocks were rare in our lands, so their feathers frequently had to be bought. In many Bulgarian homes peacock feathers are prominently displayed. It is believed that peacock feathers bring good luck and happiness.


Songs about peacocks are sung at weddings. The groom is compared to a peacock and the bride – to a peahen.

Why people used to call peacock feathers Lazerichki and what Bulgarian folk tales, songs and legends have about peacock feathers? You can learn details in Radio Bulgaria’s article: Folk studio: Peacock strutting in boyar gardens.

Edited by: Elena Karkalanova

English version: Kostadin Atanasov

Photos: zelensviat.com



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Remembering Mykhailo Parashchuk who left his mark on emblematic buildings in Sofia

Ukrainian sculptor Mykhailo Parashchuk was born on November 16, 1878. He crafted the ornaments of some of the most emblematic buildings in the Bulgarian capital. Mykhailo Parashchuk was born in the village of Varvaryntsi, at the time within..

published on 11/16/24 7:10 AM

Ivan Rilski is the most beloved and revered Bulgarian saint

On October 19, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors the memory of the humble hermit from the Rila mountain and heavenly patron of the Bulgarian people and Bulgarian doctors. Called "an earthly angel" and "a heavenly inhabitant" during his lifetime,..

published on 10/19/24 5:15 AM

Nature is transformed on 6 August - Transfiguration Day in Bulgaria

On the sixth day after the beginning of the summer fasting dedicated to the Theotokos, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates the Transfiguration of the Lord, one of the twelve feasts of the Lord . And as the Bulgarian tradition dictates, the church..

published on 8/4/24 5:25 AM