The Portuguese rooster, or “Galo de Barcelos”, is the Portuguese symbol of honesty, integrity, trust and honor, as well as the  unofficial symbol of the country.   It is in every tourist shop, in every form – from aprons and table clothes to bottle stoppers and trivets.

This one didn’t have a price tag on it 🙂

THE STORY BEHIND THE ROOSTER:

The most common version involves a crime that occurred in the town of Barcelos.  A pilgrim from Galicia was passing through the town on his way to São Tiago de Compostela in Spain and was accused of the crime.  The man didn’t have way to prove his innocence and was condemned to death by a local judge.   As a last request, the pilgrim asked to appear in front of the judge one more time to declare his innocence.  His request was granted and he was brought before the judge who was dining with some friends.  The pilgrim again declared his innocence and pointed to a roasted rooster on the table and said: “As sure as I’m innocent, so will that rooster crow!”

The judge didn’t believe him (of course) and ordered his immediate execution. But when the man was about to die in the gibbet the dead rooster stood up on the table and crowed.  Happy ending – he was set free and went on his way.   For this we get to see roosters – everywhere! – Laura