The Legend of Barcelos. There are many different versions of this legend all of which follow a familiar thread. In Portuguese, there is a Rooster called 'o Galo de Barcelos'. Legend has it that there was a big party. When the party was over, it was noticed that some cutlery was stolen by a guest. The host accused a pilgrim and had him put before a judge. The pilgrim protested his innocence, but the judge didn't believe him. The judge was about to eat a roast chicken and the pilgrim prayed to God for everybody to hear asking that if he was innocent, the chicken would crow. When the pilgrim was about to be hanged the cock crowed. The judge released the pilgrim. From that day forward, the Galo de Barcelos has been used as a symbol of honesty. |