Ceramic Rooster Barcelos rooster, entirely handmade in the Memoria Lusa workshop in Alcobaça. This piece is the product of very fine craftsmanship and has an excellent finish: the ceramic work is perfect, the colours are bright and the glazed finish is gorgeous.

Why I love it

• A simple and modern representation of a traditional Portuguese object
• A very good quality of manufacture, bright colours, and a magnificent glossy finish.
• The "lucky" charm dimension of this rooster.

• Height: 9, 18, 23 or 30 cm

The legend of the Rooster of Barcelos

The Rooster of Barcelos symbolizes Faith, justice, and luck. It is a symbol rooted in Portuguese popular tradition. This traditional rooster is represented in very bright colours representative of the traditions of the Minho region, the cradle of Portugal.

Barcelos is a small town in Northern Portugal. Several crimes were committed there and no culprits were arrested until the day a pilgrim travelling to Saint John of Compostela was found guilty by the court.

He claimed his innocence and went to the judge to prove it. Seeing a rooster in a basket near him, the accused said: "It is true that I am innocent and your rooster will rise and crow when I am hanged!

The cock crowed and the judge ran to the place where the man had been hanged. He saw that the knot was incorrectly tightened and the man alive. He was thus considered innocent and released.