The Portuguese Cockerel

The cockerel is probably one of the most popular symbols of Portugal,

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But do you actually know why it became such a famous symbol?

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The legend dates back to the 14th Century, and like all legends, each narrator adds his own flavour.

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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.

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He appealed to "Our Lady" and St. James (the patron Saint of protection) that justice be done.

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The pilgrim found his way to the Judge who was to decide his fate.

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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.

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The cockerel at once got up and crowed heartily. The pilgrim was released and went on his way.

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And to this day, the cockerel has been a symbol of faith, justice and good luck.