The Legend of the Rooster (Portuguese Mascot)

In Barcelos, a small town on the North of Portugal, a certain man was condemned to be hanged for a crime which he had not committed.

In vain did he swear his innocence but found no alibi to prove his affirmations.

Under a sudden faith impulse, he appealed Our Lady and St. James, his patron Saint, for protection, imploring them to release him from the unjust sentence he was about to serve.

For his last wish, he asked to go to the residence of the Judge. The magistrate received him in his dining-room, where he was having a meal.

Once again the man swore his innocence. Then as a sudden defiance of providence he added that the roasted rooster which lay on the platter on the Judge’s table would get up and crow if his statements were really true.

The rooster immediately jumped off the platter and started crowing vibrantly.

The man was set free.

Portuguese homes now had a mascot, the gaily painted ceremic
“Rooster of good luck and happiness”

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