Expert
December , 2024
The Rooster of Barcelos is one of the greatest cultural and tourist icons of Portugal, recognized worldwide for its colorful design and striking symbolism. This rooster, which represents values such as justice, luck and honesty, has its origins in a medieval legend from the city of Barcelos, located in the north of Portugal.
The Legend of the Rooster of Barcelos
The origin of the Rooster of Barcelos is linked to a story of faith and justice. Legend has it that, in the Middle Ages, a pilgrim on his way to Santiago de Compostela was unjustly accused of a crime and sentenced to hang. The man, a devotee of Saint James, asked to be taken in person to the judge who had sentenced him.
When he was received by the judge who was having lunch, the pilgrim pointed to a roast rooster that was on the judge’s table and declared: “I am as certain to be innocent as that rooster crowing.” The judge, intrigued, decided to wait. Miraculously, the rooster rose and crowed, proving the man’s innocence. The judge rushed to stop the execution, and the pilgrim was freed.
This story of miracle and redemption has become a symbol of faith, justice and divine protection, associated with the city of Barcelos.
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