CONCEPTUAL KEY

Rooster

• Universal symbol of the sun;

• In Japan, due to its relationship with Amaterasu (Goddess of the Sun), this creature is considered a sacred animal, which walks freely through Shinto shrines;

• In Greco-Roman mythology, there is talk of this bird being present along Leto's side when she gave birth to the twins Apollo and Artemis;

• This bird, mainly associated with Apollo (God of the Sun), was sacrificed by his son Aesculapius (God of Medicine), since this bird heralded and guided the souls of the deceased to the Underworld;

• For Christians, this creature appears as a symbol of Christ (associated with light and resurrection);

“Let there be light: and there was light.” – Genesis 1:3

The crowing of a rooster, as well as its role in announcing a new day, goes back to the myth of Alectrion.

According to the story, Aphrodite (Goddess of Love and wife of Hephaestus), had an extramarital relationship with Ares (God of War), and when the God of Forges and Fire was absent, the two gods placed the young Alectrion as a sentinel, who was supposed to warn them to undo the love affair before the sunrise.

Victimized by Hypnos and cowering in sleep, Alectrion failed in his task of warning the lovers, which resulted in an opportunity for Hephaestus to capture, expose, and humiliate the two gods in front of the other Olympians.

As punishment for his failure, Ares transformed this sentinel into a rooster, forcing him to crow before sunrise.

Placed on top of cathedrals and churches, the rooster suggests the primacy of spiritual life over earthly life, performing functions as observer, protector and savior of human souls.

In “Where the Sun Rises” his role is similar to that of the Messiah, proclaiming the end of darkness, bringing back the light to the world.