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If the Rooster Crows at the Door, Company’s ComingSouthern Superstition and Appalachian Folklore

A classic bit of Southern farm folklore: if a rooster crows at the door or looks into the house, it means company’s coming. Sometimes it’s taken as a cheerful sign of visitors on the way; other times, if he crows at night, it’s a warning of trouble.

#SouthernFolklore  

Origin

This superstition grew out of rural Southern life, when roosters were more than alarm clocks-they were weather watchers and spirit messengers.

Early settlers from the British Isles brought beliefs that animals could sense change or foretell visitors. In the South, where farm animals were part of daily life, those signs became part of porch talk and storytelling. A rooster crowing out of place-especially at the door-was seen as nature’s way of giving notice.

Notes

If a rooster crows at the front door, folks often say, "Put on another pot." In some regions, a nighttime crowing means unexpected company or even bad news. A few old-timers claim you can cancel the omen by shooing him off and saying, "Go tell it to the hens."

Legacy

While few Southerners read much into rooster behavior today, this saying still shows up in conversation and memory. It reflects a time when home, land, and animals were bound together-and even a rooster’s crow could set a household in motion.

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How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
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  • Chicago (17th edition)
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Dislaimer

What you're reading here is old Southern folklore and storytelling - not medical advice, and not meant to guide health, or pregnancy decisions (especially pregnancy decisions!). These tales are part of how folks once made sense of the world, passed down from grandparents and midwives.

If you have any medical questions or concerns, talk with a qualified healthcare professional.

Learn more on the Folklore hub page.

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