Something to crow about

In China, where the word for “rooster” sounds very much like the word for “auspicious,” the birds are thought to bring good fortune. It is believed they are capable of dispelling evil spirits and their negative influences. In many cultures outside China, too, roosters’ habit of crowing at dawn has made them symbols of triumph, either of light over darkness or good over evil.

An exhibition opening Saturday at the Watkins Community Museum of History, 1047 Mass., celebrates the zodiac year of the rooster and the large flock of artisans working in Taiwan. “Rooster Crowing Auspice — Art of Zodiac: Celebrating the Year of the Rooster,” which remains on view through April 30, includes 55 representations of roosters rendered in everything from paint to blown glass to carved wood to stone to recycled motorcycle parts.

The exhibit is presented by the Council for Cultural Affairs in Taiwan, in conjunction with the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Kansas City, the Kansas University Center for East Asian Studies and the museum.