The idiom originates from a Greek myth about the halcyon, a type of kingfisher. According to the myth, the halcyon bird built its nest on the sea during the winter solstice. To protect the nest from storms, the bird was said to have the power to calm the waves for fourteen days, creating a peaceful and serene period. This period became known as the "halcyon days".
So, when someone speaks of "halcyon days", they are referring to a time that was:
* Peaceful and serene: Like the calm sea during the halcyon period.
* Prosperous and happy: A time when things were good and joyful.
* Nostalgic and idealized: Often looking back on a time that may not have been entirely perfect, but seems so in retrospect.
Here are some examples of how the idiom can be used:
* "I remember the halcyon days of my childhood, when I had no responsibilities and all I did was play."
* "The company's success during the 1990s was a period of halcyon days."
* "These are challenging times, but we must remember that even the darkest periods are followed by halcyon days."