Notre Dame spire gets golden rooster weathervane, a symbol of a phoenix

The new golden rooster containing relics is lifted by crane to be installed atop the spire of Notre Dame cathedral as part of its reconstruction, in central Paris on Dec 16. Photo: AFP

Notre Dame Cathedral got its rooster back on Saturday, in a pivotal moment for the Paris landmark’s restoration.

The installation by a crane of a new golden rooster, reimagined as a dramatic phoenix with licking, flamed feathers, goes beyond being just a weathervane atop the cathedral spire. It symbolises resilience amid destruction after the devastating April 2019 fire - as restoration officials also revealed an anti-fire misting system is being kitted out under the cathedral's roof.