Crowing in two voices: The cultural transformation of the Portuguese rooster in postcolonial Macau

Abstract

The Barcelos Rooster, an emblem rooted in Portuguese folklore, has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from a local curiosity to an icon of national pride and subsequently into a symbol of Macau’s post-sovereignty transfer to China in 1999. This study examines the rooster’s metamorphosis in Macau. In this former Portuguese territory, the rooster has transcended its original symbolism, aligning with the Chinese cultural values of honesty, bravery, and prosperity and becoming ingrained in the city’s identity. By tracing its journey from Portugal to Macau, the study explores the rooster’s role as a transcultural object within postcolonial tourism and transculturalism frameworks. It investigates how the rooster’s adaptation reflects the complex interplay of power, identity, and culture, contributing to the discourse on cultural symbols and collective identity in postcolonial societies.