With Nando ' s becoming a worldwide phenomenon, peddling home cooking of a Portuguese / Mozambican themed subsistence across 35 countries in 5 continents, it ' s hard not to find one on your journey. When you enter a Nando ' s, you can soon hear the Portuguese and Latino rhythms, along with the beautifully styled artwork and master ( in truth, Nando ' s has the biggest collection of South African art with over 3, 000 pieces in their collections worldwide ). Although all of the interiors vary quite widely, one image remains - the logo of the rooster. It is also of high significance in Portuguese culture, with its insignia of pieces of art to pottery and trinkets. What is the story, the translation of this symbol? Why is it so popular and what does it represent?
The Galo de Barcelos ( translation - The Barcelos Rooster ) and its importance both come from a famous story in Portuguese culture. This depicted the tale of an unsolved crime in Barcelos. A wandering pilgrim raised suspicion and was therefore taken to court for questioning. To prove his innocence before the King and to prove that he was on a pilgrimage to St Piago, the patron saint of a nearby town, he put his faith into a Barcelos Rooster, even though it was roasted! He told the court that if he was innocent, the rooster would crow. All eyes were focused on the platter. The roasted rooster crowed and signalled his innocence. Because of this, the image of the Barcelos Rooster can be associated with honour, integrity and trust and is recognised as an unofficial logo of Portugal.
Language does not begin and end with simply words to be translated - much of its art can be a translation of culture and stories. Next time you go to Nando ' s with friends and family, be sure to tell them of the logo that they may see so often when out and about!
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