subject: More On The Rooster Of Barcelos [print this page] "In Portugal, the rooster has always been viewed as their symbol. The rooster of Barcelos as they called the symbol was a very popular legend.
One of the many versions of this legend relates about a rich man who threw a big celebration. The servants of the rich man made an inventory of the dishware and the cutlery once the celebration is over. The sterling cutlery was missing. One of th servants was accused by the rich man of stealing the missing pieces.
The servant was thrown into jail and accorded a death sentence. He protested his innocence but nobody believed him. The jailers laughed at his plea.
As his execution day drew nearer, one of the jail guards, impressed by his consistency, brought him to the judge to plead his cause. The judge was having a banquet at that time. The judge was in high spirits and agreed to see the man. As they came face to face with each other, the judge asked the man if he really thought he was innocent. The man swore that he was innocent even in the eyes of God. The judge asked the man if he had any proof of his innocence.
The man looked around in desperation seeking a way that he could be helped. As he was looking around, he saw a servant carrying a large platter of fowl, all decked in vegetables and sauce. He fell to his knees and prayed to God that as Peter denied Jesus at the cock's crow, so would his innocence be proven by this rooster's crow. All eyes turned to the platter of steaming fowl, and, miraculously, the rooster got up, beat its wings on its chest, and crowed loudly three times.
The judge was astonished and then agreed that indeed, the Lord has spoken. And then, the judge, in a loud voice, addressed the people saying that this should serve as a learning experience so and never to judge others. The rooster, beginning that day, shall be a reminder to the people and their children's children of this as the Lord's message. And then, the rest, as they say, is history. The rooster became Portugal's national symbol.
Roosters are decorated with elegant designs and bright colors. Until this day, it is still seen in almost all Portugal homes and even in their festivities. It may come shaped in loaves of holiday bread. Others may be stamped on candies. A rooster is seen as a symbol of faith in God in Portugal.
