The Portuguese Cockerel
The cockerel is probably one of the most popular symbols of Portugal,
But do you actually know why it became such a famous symbol?
The legend dates back to the 14th Century, and like all legends, each narrator adds his own flavour.
In Barcelos, a small town in Portugal, a passing pilgrim, who was on his way to São Tiago de Compostela (in Spain), was wrongly accused of theft, for which the penalty was death. Feeling threatened in a foreign village, he only had his faith to call upon.
He appealed to "Our Lady" and St. James (the patron Saint of protection) that justice be done.
The pilgrim found his way to the Judge who was to decide his fate.
The judge was about to commence eating a roast cockerel for his dinner. The pilgrim pleaded, "If I am innocent, that cockerel will get up and crow.
The cockerel at once got up and crowed heartily. The pilgrim was released and went on his way.
And to this day, the cockerel has been a symbol of faith, justice and good luck.
But do you actually know why it became such a famous symbol?
The legend dates back to the 14th Century, and like all legends, each narrator adds his own flavour.
In Barcelos, a small town in Portugal, a passing pilgrim, who was on his way to São Tiago de Compostela (in Spain), was wrongly accused of theft, for which the penalty was death. Feeling threatened in a foreign village, he only had his faith to call upon.
He appealed to "Our Lady" and St. James (the patron Saint of protection) that justice be done.
The pilgrim found his way to the Judge who was to decide his fate.
The judge was about to commence eating a roast cockerel for his dinner. The pilgrim pleaded, "If I am innocent, that cockerel will get up and crow.
The cockerel at once got up and crowed heartily. The pilgrim was released and went on his way.
And to this day, the cockerel has been a symbol of faith, justice and good luck.
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