I always think the halcyon bird gets its peaceful rep from that whole 'calm before the storm' thing in the myth. You know, the story where the gods grant Alcyone days of perfect weather to nest on the sea? It's not just about the absence of trouble, it's about a hard-won, temporary safe harbor carved out of chaos.
That imagery of nesting on a still sea during the solstice hits different. It's a scheduled, reliable peace, which feels more profound than just a random quiet afternoon. Makes me think of those moments in life or in stories—like the quiet campfire scene in the middle of a grimdark fantasy trek—where tranquility feels earned and fragile, and therefore sweeter.
Honestly, the symbol works because it's active, not passive. The peace is something the bird builds its life upon, literally raising its young in that stillness. That's a whole vibe.