In a significant milestone in the restoration of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, a new golden rooster was installed atop the 96-meter-high spire on Saturday. This event marked a pivotal moment in the cathedral’s recovery from the devastating fire in 2019 that led to the destruction of its roof and caused extensive damage.
The golden rooster, adorned with flame-like wings, was blessed by Laurent Ulrich, the Archbishop of Paris, before being hoisted to its lofty perch. The “wings of fire” on the rooster serve as a poignant reminder of the cathedral’s resilience and its ability to rise from the ashes, much like a phoenix.
Philippe Villeneuve, one of the lead architects on the restoration project and the designer of the new rooster, emphasized the symbolism of the rooster’s design. He stated that the cathedral’s rebirth from the ashes is embodied in the rooster’s fiery wings.
The golden rooster is not just a decorative element. It holds within it a fragment of Christ’s crown of thorns, remains of St. Denis and St. Genevieve, and a list of the 2,000 people who have been working tirelessly on the cathedral’s reconstruction.
The original rooster, though too damaged to be reused, was salvaged from the 2019 fire. Its survival provided a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy, a testament to the enduring spirit of the cathedral and its community. Villeneuve reflected on the significance of the old rooster, stating that its battered beauty expressed the cathedral’s suffering in the flames.
The installation of the new rooster is a beacon of hope and a symbol of resurrection. It carries the flame to the top of the cathedral, just as it was before the fire, signifying a “fire of resurrection.” In France, the rooster is a common symbol, often used to represent the return of the day and Christ’s resurrection.
FAQ
What is the significance of the golden rooster in Notre Dame Cathedral?
The golden rooster at the top of Notre Dame Cathedral is a symbol of resurrection and hope. It also holds within it a fragment of Christ’s crown of thorns, remains of St. Denis and St. Genevieve, and a list of the people involved in the cathedral’s reconstruction.
Who is Philippe Villeneuve?
Philippe Villeneuve is one of the lead architects working on the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral. He is also the designer of the new golden rooster.
What happened to the old rooster?
The old rooster was damaged in the 2019 fire that devastated Notre Dame Cathedral. Although it was too damaged to be reused, it was salvaged from the fire and served as a symbol of hope for the community.
Glossary
Notre Dame Cathedral: A famous Gothic cathedral in Paris, France, known for its architectural significance and religious importance.
Golden Rooster: A symbolic figure placed at the top of the spire of Notre Dame Cathedral. It is a common symbol in France, often used to represent the return of the day and Christ’s resurrection.
2019 Notre Dame fire: A devastating fire that occurred in April 2019, causing significant damage to the Notre Dame Cathedral, including the destruction of its roof and spire.
Archbishop of Paris: The senior ecclesiastical official in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Paris. The current Archbishop is Laurent Ulrich.
Phoenix: A mythical bird that is cyclically regenerated or reborn. Associated with the sun, a phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor, symbolizing resurrection and renewal.
