Ceramic Portuguese Roosters and Folk Art

Portugal Official Name: Republic of Portugal Capital City: Lisbon (2.6 million) Flag: Languages: Portuguese Latitude/Longitude 39� 30N, 8�W Official Currency: The Euro, details here Population: 10,366,000 Religions: Catholic, others Land Area: 91,950 sq km (35,502 sq miles)

O Galo de Barcelos (The Rooster from Barcelos) O Galo de Barcelos is the unofficial symbol of Portugal. In any curio or tourist shop you will find the symbol represented by a ceramic rooster and in the motif embroidered in towels, aprons, stamped on key chains, paper weights, etc.

Because of its lively colors, the Rooster of Barcelos is difficult to miss where ever it appears. The motif seems to embody the love of life displayed by the Portuguese people.

The symbol has its genesis in the history of Barcelos The symbol has its genesis in the history of Barcelos. The city of Barcelos is located just east of Braga. Even though it is not on a major highway, it still is a good sized city. The legend of the Rooster is so old that no one knows for sure its real source. There are serveral versions of the legend. The version below came from post cards found in a tourist shop on the Ribeira in Porto.

The Legend: At a banquet given by a rich landowner in Barcelos, a valuable piece of silver was stolen and one of guests was accused of the theft. He was tried by the court and was found guilty. In spite of the overwhelming evidence against him, he still protested his innocence. The magistrate granted the man a final chance to prove his case. Seeing a rooster in a basket nearby he said, “If I am innocent, the rooster will crow.” The rooster crowed and the prisoner was allowed to go free.

Folk Art folk-art (fōk'ärt')n. Art originating among the common people of a nation or region and usually reflecting their traditional culture, especially everyday or festive items produced or decorated by unschooled artists Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/folk-art#ixzz1EB962frf