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PEACOCK

An emblem of immortality, also of pride and vanity among men. Juno's peacock was the sacred bird of pagan Rome often represented on the tombs of the celebrated dead. When first used as a symbol by the Christians, peacocks were often seen in conjunction with the chalice, drinking from it to ensure eternal life. St. Liborius, fourth-century French bishop of Le Mans and personal friend of St. Martin of Tours, has the peacock as his emblem.

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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