IN SEARCH OF PEACOCK FEATHERS

The peacock feathers that my mum and I bought from a shop in Little India in Ipoh a few years back did not look as good as they did before.  So the two of us decided to get new ones to replace the old.  I had actually seen some in a shop in Sitiawan but they were sold at RM3.00 each.  Too expensive.
So we made our way to Little India on Sunday morning to look for the peacock feathers.  The first shop that we went had no stock but then the owner recommended another shop to us.  Initially the lady wanted RM1.20 for one feather but after some bargaining she let us have them at RM1 each.  The old feathers that we had cost 50 sen each. 
Why the interest in buying peacock feathers?  The Chinese and Indians believe that peacock feathers are excellent amulets for protection against accidents, illness, burglaries, misfortunes and to ward off disease. The feathers are also said to possess the ability to absorb and neutralize bad energy and sickness. When placed in the car, it ensures a safe journey for the driver and the passengers. Some would place peacock feathers in the southern regions of their homes to add more passion to their relationships.
My Aunt Linda had a query as to how the peacock feathers were harvested.  She was worried that the birds had to be killed first to get their feathers.  Anyway, I did a search in the Internet I discovered that the feathers were obtained from the male peacocks or peahens.  I was relieved to find that the feathers are collected after they have dropped from the peahen.