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When the word chicken is mentioned, most people first think of fried chicken, crispy wings from McDonald's, or a roast. Today, the concept of this animal is almost entirely associated with food, but did you know it wasn’t always like that? How did it all begin, and what was the status of today's ordinary and unremarkable animal? Find out in this article.
It may be hard to believe, but about 3,500 years ago, chickens were considered a very rare and exotic bird. Archaeological evidence shows that they have been celebrated, revered, and even worshipped by people for centuries.
Domestic chickens are descended from the red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus). Attracted by the cultivation of dry rice in Southeast Asia, these beautiful birds with fiery feathers came from their habitat to get food and thus came into contact with humans for the first time. If they had known how it would end, they would probably have stayed away.
These birds were smaller in size than today's chickens and didn’t grow as fast because there was no genetic manipulation. But they had a recognizable appearance and sounded like today's well-known domestic species.
New studies show that chickens arrived in Europe about 2,800 years ago and not 7,000 years ago as previously thought. It means that these beautiful jungle fowls arrived there much later than other domestic animals (pigs, cows, and sheep) and almost a thousand years passed before their status was reduced to mere food.
But before that, they were something special, an exotic novelty that everyone wanted to have, just like it is today with the latest model of cellphones or some never-before-seen animal species.
Researchers from around the world analyzed chicken remains found in more than 600 locations from 89 countries. They used radiocarbon dating. Many of the identified chickens had complete or almost complete skeletons and showed no signs of being killed.
They were treated as human companions and had a special burial, just like we do today with our cats and dogs, who have spent their whole lives with us. In some places, they were even buried together with people (usually men with roosters and women with chickens). These were animals that lived to an older age, which is not the case when animals are kept for food (humans usually eat babies).
In ancient Britain, for example, none of the oldest skeletons showed signs of being used for human consumption.
These findings show us how much society valued chickens and how important they were to us. One of the skeletons even had a well-healed broken leg, which also indicates that people took care of them.
These fluffy birds have been associated with many positive meanings throughout history. They symbolized fertility and abundance. In some cultures, they were considered as protective protection.
Because of their wonderful motherly qualities, chickens symbolized sacrifice, motherhood, and care. The crowing of the rooster was considered a sign of new beginnings.
Just like in ancient Rome, chickens were associated with the power of prediction and their behaviour and movements were believed to show insights and omens. It was also believed that they helped the soul pass to the other side, which was an additional reason why they were buried alongside people.
Roosters were often used for cockfighting. Although these are cruel and unnecessary practices, for people at that time, they had a religious significance and were part of the entertainment. Roosters were considered the model of courage, and their behaviour set an example by which young warriors should live.
In ancient Rome, chickens were considered sacred creatures that played a key role in urban and religious customs. Also known as Pularia, the sacred chickens were believed to have the power to predict the future. They were consulted before any significant event or decision. These feathered prophetesses were also consulted by great politicians, generals, and even emperors.
They lived in a special hen house located in the Roman Forum. Ancient Rome spread chickens through their travels and conquests, taking them everywhere they would go. Only centuries later, these birds became food.
New archaeological research suggests that chickens arrived in ancient Britain between the 5th and 3rd centuries BC. There, they achieved an even higher status and were not grown for food but were worshipped as deities. More than 2,000 years ago, Julius Caesar wrote in Commentarii de Bello Gallico, "The Britons consider it against divine law to eat rabbit, goose, or fowl."
Chickens were associated with a god similar to Mercury, the patron of merchants and travellers. These religious connotations persisted during the Roman occupation of Britain.
Although it is unclear how these worshipped and highly revered birds came to be viewed differently, around the 1st century AD (some evidence says even later), the consumption of their bodies became widespread in Britain, which was still under Roman control.
Archaeological evidence shows that poor birds were increasingly eaten and lost their privileged position and high importance over time. Instead of being buried as individuals, the remains of chickens were discarded as mere food waste.
Today, the term chicken is associated with something negative; we use it when we want to call someone stupid or a coward. Except for that, there are no positive associations with this species, and chickens today are far from the status they had before. Are they really as special as previously thought or was it all exaggerated? It may surprise you, but chickens have many valuable qualities. Here are 10 interesting facts about them.
When we cuddle with them and when they are happy, they start purring just like cats.
Hens are known to communicate with their unborn babies while they are still in their eggs, and the little ones chirp back through the eggshell. Hens use their wings to protect their chicks from harsh weather from other animals and provide them with comfort whenever they need it.
Contrary to popular belief that they are stupid and get easily scared, chickens are actually very brave. They are able to defend up to 90% of attacks, which is really commendable, and not that often in the animal world.
Studies have shown that chickens have many cognitive attributes similar to those of mammals, even primates. They are able to count and perform basic arithmetic, even as chicks (that would be like a 3-year-old child counting, adding, and subtracting...)
They understand logic and simple reasoning, including some concepts that we as humans do not understand until the age of 7.
Each with a different meaning, including warning their friends and family of predators or simply letting their mother know they are comfortable.
and are able to remember and recognize more than 100 different individuals, including humans.
Just like us, and they tell each other what they see.
Just like our pets (and us), they feel a wide range of emotions, such as fear, happiness, anxiety, depression, or sadness. They also show empathy towards other beings. Today, some people keep chickens as pets, and they behave just like our usual companions - they respond to their names, they like to play, cuddle, follow us around and are very affectionate.
Chickens today are raised by the billions for their eggs and meat. They are kept in inhumane conditions where they can’t display their natural behaviour and thus suffer greatly. They are currently the most exploited land animals in the world.
Regardless of whether they are divine or not, they deserve respect and the right to live and to be free.
There are many delicious substitutes for the foods that we love that mimic the taste and texture of their meat and eggs - from vegan nuggets and plant-based roast, to burgers and vegan eggs. We can help these unique animals by choosing these tasty foods and, with that simple act, save their lives.