The Portuguese Rooster Notebook

The Portuguese Rooster of Luck or Portuguese Barcelos Rooster is one of the most popular Portuguese symbols. Abroad it’s known as The Portuguese Rooster or Cockerel. You can find this rooster in every corner of Portugal, it's a popular souvenir. These rooster decorated with small hearts and flowers makes a perfect gift for those born in Portugal or those fond of this country. It evokes the mystique of Faith, Good Luck, and Justice. The legend of the Barcelos Rooster tells a story about a pilgrim travelling to Santiago of Compostela who was accused of stealing silver from a landowner. He was a stranger in the region of Barcelos and no one believed this Christian devotee was fulfilling a promise. He was quickly found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging. Allowed to plead his innocence to the judge he was taken to his house when the magistrate was about to tuck into a roasted cockerel. The pilgrim vowed that as proof of his innocence, the cockerel would stand up on his plate and crow. The judge and friends laughed hard. As the pilgrim was about to be hung, the cockerel miraculously stood up and crowed. The judge hurried to the gallows in the square to free the innocent man. The rope was around his neck, but the loosened knot protected the pilgrim from being strangled. He immediately continued his pilgrimage. The pilgrim was innocent and therefore God provided him with a miracle. The Rooster stands for Faith as the pilgrim had faith in God, so he was saved. It also stands for Justice as we should avoid making snap judgments or accusations without proof. As for LUCK, the Good Luck Rooster or Lucky Rooster are popular names for Barcelos Rooster. The rooster brought good luck to the pilgrim and one likes to believe he also brings a little good luck to us!