The rooster that fell from Notre Dame cathedral during the fire is showcased at the Culture Ministry in Paris on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019. A longstanding symbol of France, the rooster dived the April blaze that engulfed the cathedral’s roof and toppled its spire. Miraculously surviving the incident, the rooster is set to be exhibited to the public this weekend. (Image: AP Photo/Michel Euler)
In a significant milestone for the restoration of Paris' Notre Dame Cathedral, a crucial event is scheduled for Saturday—the installation of a golden rooster atop its spire.
This momentous occasion signals a pivotal phase in the monument's recovery following the devastating fire that engulfed it in April 2019. Crafted by chief architect Philippe Villeneuve, the new rooster will take the place of the original, irreparably damaged in the blaze.
The rooster, symbolizing vigilance and Christ's resurrection in French culture, will serve as a repository for sacred relics. Among these artifacts are fragments of Christ's Crown of Thorns and the remains of St. Denis and St. Genevieve, infusing the sculpture with profound religious significance. The Crown of Thorns, considered Notre Dame's most sacred relic, was swiftly removed after the fire. Originally brought to Paris by King Louis IX in the 13th century, it is believed to have been worn by Christ during the crucifixion.
Before ascending to its perch, the rooster will receive a blessing from Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich. Inside the sculpture, a sealed tube will contain the names of nearly 2,000 individuals who played a role in the cathedral's reconstruction, underscoring the collaborative nature of the restoration efforts.
French President Emmanuel Macron, commemorating the one-year countdown to the cathedral's reopening during a recent visit, disclosed plans to exhibit the original rooster in a new museum at the Hotel-Dieu. This decision, coupled to invite Pope Francis for the cathedral's reopening next year, underscores Notre Dame's deep-rooted importance in French history and culture.
The installation of the rooster crowning a spire reconstructed based on Eugene Viollet-le-Duc's 19th-century design serves as a poignant reminder of the cathedral's medieval origins, symbolizing hope and faith. Its enduring association with the French nation since the Renaissance enhances its historical and cultural significance, marking a new chapter of renewal and optimism for Notre Dame and the French people.
