Have you ever wondered what the legend is behind the colorful, ceramic roosters seen in Portuguese souvenir and pottery shops? I have two that sit on my kitchen window and a bottle opener and a necklace (given to me by my Portuguese-American sister-in-law many years ago) and I have always loved them but never really understood their significance. I just knew they were supposed to bring you luck.
The rooster has long been the unofficial symbol of Portugual (much like the eagle in the United States). It symbolizes honesty, integrity, trust and honor. The city of Barcelos is located just east of Braga. It is known for its pottery, handicrafts and earthenware.
As with most legends, it is so old that no one knows the exact details but one version (there are a few other versions with minor variations) goes something like this:
A crime had been committed in Barcelos, Portugual and a man from Galicia was passing through Barcelos on his way to São Tiago de Compostela in Spain and was accused of this crime. Because the man was not able to prove his innocence; he was ordered to die by hanging.
His last request before being hanged was to be able to appear one last time before the judge to try to prove his innocence. His request was granted and he was taken to see the judge who was eating dinner with his friends.
The man from Galicia stated his innocence once again and then, pointing to a cooked rooster on the table and said, “As sure as I'm innocent so will that rooster crow!”
The judge grew angry, still didn’t believe him and his immediate hanging was ordered.
The judge grew angry, still didn’t believe him and his immediate hanging was ordered.
Just as the noose was about to go around his neck, the dead rooster sat up and crowed and the man was freed.
The man from Galicia returned to Barcelos, many years later, and erected a monument to the Virgin and St. James (San Tiago).
Since this day, supposedly, the Galo de Barcelos has stood for honesty.
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