Cultural references to chickens

There are numerous cultural references to chickens in myth, folklore, religion, and literature. Because the chicken has lived in close association with humans for millennia, it has become deeply embedded in cultures worldwide. Its presence in myth, religion, and art from every inhabited continent reflects not only its practical value but also its symbolic importance. The ubiquity of chickens in human societies exemplifies their long-standing symbiotic relationship with humans—a partnership that has made the chicken one of the most successful species on Earth.

Chickens are a sacred animal in many cultures, being deeply embedded in belief systems and religious worship practices.

Roosters are sometimes used for a divination practice called Alectryomancy, a word deriving from the Greek for "rooster" and "divination". This would sometimes involve sacrificing a sacred rooster during a ritual cockfight to communicate with the gods.