Why Do Roosters Pop Up In So Much Kitchen Decor?

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When it comes to country kitchen design trends, many things come to mind: quiet colors like brown and soft blues, open-air shelving, reclaimed wood, or brushed steel. However, one of the most eye-catching aspects of any farm, country, or rustic concept is its inclusion of roosters. Certainly, their striking appearance and farmhouse feel is enough to prove why roosters fit the assignment. But their kitchen design connection goes much deeper than that. Someone going for a French country kitchen design may incorporate the rooster — more specifically, the Coq Gaulois (or Gallic Rooster) — because it's a national emblem of France. Additionally, roosters are a cross-cultural icon, representing many positive concepts across the world.

Beginning with France, the Gallic Rooster has been long tied to France since its earlier years. Originally, this was because the Latin word "gallus" refers to both the inhabitants of Gaul, which was the ancient civilization that would later become France, and the rooster. Gallic Roosters are found throughout the country's history, as they were a revolutionary symbol thought to represent bravery and vigilance. Indeed, the rooster can be seen on the Seal of France's Second Republic, its 20 Franc gold coins between 1898 and 1914,, and the uniforms of the country's international sports teams. The rooster holds such significance in France that it can even be seen atop the gates of the Élysée gardens. It is this history that brought the rooster into homes and kitchens looking to incorporate a classic French feel.

Stepping out of France, the rooster may also be of interest to someone wanting to hit the mark on that Tuscan kitchen look. More specifically, the Gallo Nero, or black rooster, has stood as Toscana's mascot since the Middle Ages. According to a mix of history and lore, the black rooster first became Tuscany's symbol at the end of Siena and Florence's war over who ruled the Chianti region. Supposedly, the two armies chose a white and a black rooster respectively, and decided that each would send out a knight to claim land after their rooster crowed. Out of hunger, Florence's black rooster crowed first. This allowed its knight to claim majority rule over Chianti... and cemented the black rooster's status as a country kitchen classic centuries later. 

Looking further into the rooster's cultural significance, the rooster is believed to be a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and protection across Italy. This matches with Feng Shui and Chinese tradition, as roosters are believed to hold similar meaning. If you want a good luck charm to watch over you while you cook, a rooster is key for many cultures.

Anyone wanting to incorporate a lucky rooster into their country or rustic-style kitchen has endless ways to do so. Trendy tableware like these Gilded Rooster Dinner Plates from Certified International Store or a decorative rooster dish towel would be perfect as a subtle touch. Alternatively, one could pull influence from Italian maiolica and go with the popular la brocca di gallo (literally meaning, rooster pitcher). Roosters can also be used as a kitchen accent for your spice rack, as with this two-tier style from Zings and Things. No matter what you choose, it's sure to add some feathered flair to the kitchen.