the Sino-Vietnamese name of the peacock species, referring to one of the birds of the pheasant family (Latin name is Pavo cristatus or Afropavo congensis) . In addition, the name Confucius is also used to refer to some species of the genus Polyplectron (the pure Vietnamese name is money chicken).
Confucius and things you need to know
Confucius originates from South Asia, especially India. Peacock species in Europe were also brought from here during history, trade or colonization.
Peacocks are divided into two main groups: Chinese peacocks (green peacocks or Xipsxoongbanna distributed in Yunnan province and Southeast Asia) and Indian peacocks (blue peacocks).
Although they both look the same, the size of the Chinese peacock is a bit smaller. The most obvious distinguishing point is the crest of feathers on their head.
Impressive long tail.
The crest of the feathers of the Chinese peacock is like a raised crescent, different from the fan-like crest of the Indian peacock.
Contrary to the male peacock’s gorgeous appearance, the female peacock is very ordinary. When standing next to it, it can be said to be a contrast to the male peacock’s beauty.
The feathers on the peacock’s body are gray-brown, like Cinderella standing next to the brilliant prince with his tail spreading out complex patterns and his emerald green eyes.
The male bird’s feathers are also golden and blue (also known as angel feathers) with a length of 6 to 7 cm. When light shines on it, it radiates brilliant iridescent colors like a rainbow. The male bird’s impressive feathers are the means to help him conquer the female peacock. His flirtatious dance when he spreads his feathers will help him score points in the eyes of his partner.
The male bird with the more impressive wings will be chosen by the female bird as his partner throughout the breeding season (April and May every year).
In addition to the brilliant tail dotted with spreading eyes to attract mates, it is also a self-defense weapon for peacocks when encountering enemies. They will show off their power and mesmerize their enemies.
Larger size thanks to spreading feathers and eyes that seem to enchant enemies will help keep peacocks safe. If faced with an emergency situation, peacocks can still fly, although not high or far, but enough to escape the clutches of their enemies.
The noble and splendid beauty of the Confucius bird is also used to name a rare gemstone: Confucius stone (A green stone that easily changes color based on light).
Buddhist legend about Confucius – Mother Buddha
This is a bird of noble beauty and significance in Buddhism. According to Buddhist legend, the two divine birds that have the power and ability to create a nation are the Golden Eagle and the Confucius.
Both were born from the Phoenix. The giant’s body is always on fire, causing any creature that comes close to it to be burned.
It is a proud and very ferocious bird, once swallowing Buddha Tathagata into its stomach. The Buddha decided that he would use his life to save sentient beings and prevent his cruelty from harming the world.
However, the fairies dissuaded him because they thought that killing him would be no different from killing his parents. Since then, this bird has been awarded the title of Buddha Mother.
Confucius in Vietnam
Confucius is classified in group 1B (exceptionally rare animals, strictly prohibited from exploitation and use for commercial purposes). If you want to raise them at home, the owner must get a farming license from the authorities and cannot use them for business or slaughter purposes.
In our country, Confucius is distributed mainly in the South Central region and Cat Tien National Park with very small numbers even though it used to live in most forests across the country.
Meaning of the Confucius bird
Appears in feng shui paintings and embroidery works. So what is the meaning of this bird?
In Buddhism, this bird is the reincarnation of Confucius Minh Quan Bodhisattva, a bodhisattva who helps eliminate disasters, tribulations, diseases, and demons, thereby bringing auspiciousness and fulfillment to the world.
In Indian culture, the Confucius bird is associated with the image of goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of beauty, kindness, sharing, luck, wealth and prosperity.
She is the wife of Vishnu, the god of protection and preservation. This is a couple that brings goodness and fulfillment to everyone.
In Greek mythology, the peacock is associated with the goddess Hera – the powerful wife of Zeus, according to which the peacock’s eyes are the eyes of Argos, which she used to decorate her peacock.
Therefore, the peacock is also a symbol of power, family life, marriage, wealth, and prosperity. It is no wonder that this bird has become a feng shui object, helping to harmonize yin and yang, bringing luck and prosperity to the homeowner.