It is located above the cross section of the transept. The spire is made of timber, covered in lead, known in French as flèches (an arrow, symbolizing the aspiration to reach God and Heaven). It is topped with a golden cross and above that a new golden rooster (reimagined sort of as a phoenix with flaming feathers), installed on top with a golden lightning rod, marking the cathedral's rise from ashes.
Almost miraculously, the original rooster survived the fire. The rooster is a French emblem of vigilance and conversion. The rooster (in French, coq), is an emotive national emblem for France - the Latin word for rooster, gallus, is related to the ancient Latin name for France, Gaul. At the blessing of the new rooster, the Archbishop of Paris placed a few relics inside the rooster, including fragments of the Crown of Throns and remains of St. Denis and St. Genevieve, the patrons of the City of Paris.
People around the world pledged more than $1 billion to rebuild the cathedral. The cathedral is set to reopen on Dec. 8th.
A veritable army of architects, engineers, carpenters, stone masons, iron workers, and other artisans from many specialties have been working hard to restore the cathedral to its proper glory, despite opposition from those who sought to impoverish it with modernist modifications.
Following are close-up images of the lead decorations that include the eight leaded raptors guarding it now, like sentinels, keeping it safe from danger. Also, there are some 192 hooks. These are part of the final lead decorations that the roofers put on the new spire needle.
Nicknamed "Grand Dukes," these cast-lead eagles climb the eight tallest poles in the spire. The others are overcome with spikes, or depressions, also of cast lead. Finally every post is covered in lead The elegant pinnacles, hammered in the workshop, make this a true work of art and a worthy replacement.
