The meaning of HALCYON is characterized by happiness, great success, and prosperity : golden —often used to describe an idyllic time in the past that is remembered as better than today. Halcyon is an adjective meaning peaceful, happy, or prosperous, or a noun for a mythical bird or a kingfisher. Learn the origin, usage, and synonyms of halcyon from Collins English Dictionary. The name " Halcyon " is derived from Greek mythology, specifically from the story of Alcyone. In Greek mythology, Alcyone was the daughter of Aeolus, the god of the winds. When her husband Ceyx died at sea, Alcyone threw herself into the water in grief. The gods took pity on her and transformed both Alcyone and Ceyx into kingfisher birds, known as " halcyon birds." The name " Halcyon " has come to symbolize peace, tranquility, and calmness, often associated with a period of time or a place of ... Those were the halcyon days of the coal trade, when coalowners made great profits and did extremely well.