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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  

Hillbilly Dude Says...
If it's a banty, it is a young'un coming? 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
If it's a banty, it is a young'un coming? 

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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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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Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
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