Cardinals are Symbolic of Renewal and Life

"During the winter, nature goes to rest. Leaves start falling in fall, and during the winter, trees are without leaves and look somewhat bland. Most animals will seek shelter and hide as the cold days creep in; other animals will leave cold areas and go to warm areas in the world, especially birds. However, one of the rare animals that will stay in one particular area is the cardinal bird. They’ll stand out in the whiteness of a snowy landscape. You won’t miss them when they visit you in your backyard, too. With their red bodies, they’ll represent a sign of life when everything else seems to be dead." https://symbolismandmetaphor.com/cardinal-symbolism-and-meanings/#:~:text=%20Cardinal%20Symbolism%20in%20Native%20American%20Lore%20,is%20a...%203%20Truthfulness%20and%20Honesty%20More%20?msclkid=8c3f2cfab87111ec8aaa7221d05240ac

In a way, they’re also a symbol of renewal because of this.
They’re one of the first signs of renewal of nature, even when other animals hide and there is no sign of life in nature.