Long before the time of smartphones, alarm clocks, and lightbulbs, the rooster played a pivotal role in society. Its clarion call signaled the end of darkness and the beginning of a new day. But the rooster was far more than just an elegant, feathery alarm clock. To people struggling through the terrors of the night, the rooster’s crow was a spark of hope, dispelling the dangers of the dark. It became a symbol of light and hope to all those waiting for the rescue of dawn.
Of Popes & Poultry
It wasn’t long before people began incorporating the rooster into their artwork. Woven into tapestries and forged from copper, the harbinger of hope became a cultural icon. It wasn’t until its adoption by the early Christian church, however, that the rooster became truly famous.
The rooster had profound religious significance. In the Bible, Jesus foretold that Peter, one of his most devoted disciples, would betray him. “...Verily I say unto thee, that this night, before cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.” (Matthew 26:34). And so the rooster became an emblem of Peter’s betrayal.
Leaders of the early church revered the rooster both for its inspiration of hope and for its daily reminder that all people are capable of betraying the truest things in life. Circa 590 A.D.,Pope Gregory I declared that the rooster was “the most suitable emblem of Christianity.” In the 9th century, Pope Nicholas I even decreed that a rooster be placed at the top of every church. Coupled with the pre-existing use of weathervanes, a fascinating story for another day, the rooster weathervane was born.
The rooster had profound religious significance. In the Bible, Jesus foretold that Peter, one of his most devoted disciples, would betray him. “...Verily I say unto thee, that this night, before cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.” (Matthew 26:34). And so the rooster became an emblem of Peter’s betrayal.
Leaders of the early church revered the rooster both for its inspiration of hope and for its daily reminder that all people are capable of betraying the truest things in life. Circa 590 A.D.,Pope Gregory I declared that the rooster was “the most suitable emblem of Christianity.” In the 9th century, Pope Nicholas I even decreed that a rooster be placed at the top of every church. Coupled with the pre-existing use of weathervanes, a fascinating story for another day, the rooster weathervane was born.
Keep the Legend Alive!
Incredibly, the rooster weathervane has survived the centuries since its Papal popularity, changing in style and construction to suit the tastes of passing ages. Though its religious undertones have all but worn off, its symbolism of light and hope are still very much intact.
At Valley Forge Cupolas, we carry a robust selection of rooster weathervanes so that you can join in on the centuries-old tradition and display a symbol of light and hope for all to see. So cock-a-doodle-do yourself a favor and pick up a rooster weathervane from Valley Forge Cupolas today!
At Valley Forge Cupolas, we carry a robust selection of rooster weathervanes so that you can join in on the centuries-old tradition and display a symbol of light and hope for all to see. So cock-a-doodle-do yourself a favor and pick up a rooster weathervane from Valley Forge Cupolas today!
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