A parent grieving the loss of a child will sometimes go to great lengths to try and ease their pain. This is what Rosalia Lombardo’s father did when she passed in 1920, just days before her second birthday. 100 years later, Rosalia is know as The Girl in the Glass Coffin, Sleeping Beauty, The World’s Most Beautiful Mummy, and the Best Preserved Mummy in the World. This is this little girl’s peculiar story.
The Life of Rosalia Lombardo
The life of Rosalia Lombardo is shrouded in mystery and legend. Born in 1918 during the outbreak of the Spanish Flu, little Rosalia was doomed to live a short life. Just before her second birthday, she came down with what scientists are now saying is pneumonia and tragically passed away. Her father, General Mario Lombardo, was stricken with the grief of his loss. Searching for a way to preserve her memory, he enlisted the help of well-known embalmer Alfredo Salafia to preserve her body. The result is a miraculously preserved body – so well done that, even 100 years later, it almost seems as though the little girl is simply sleeping. She lies inside a tiny glass coffin under a blanket with just her head and face showing. Rosalia’s features remain remarkably intact, with tufts of blonde hair, silk bows, and a fading silk blanket adorning her tiny body. Though details of her life remain uncertain, her legacy as a beautifully preserved child mummy endures.
Embalming
Embalmer Alfredo Salafia’s exceptional preservation technique is one that comes from a long tradition of preserving corpses on the Italian island of Sicily. His technique involved a combination of chemicals, including formalin, zinc salt, alcohol, salicylic acid, and glycerin. The result is a complete mummification of Rosalia’s body, but rather than looking like a skeleton, she has a rather wax-like rigidity. Though much skepticism and speculation has circled her about the authenticity of preservation, modern examinations have confirmed that this is, indeed, a 100-year-old child’s corpse. The exams confirmed the integrity of her organs and skeletal structure, proving that this is, in fact, her body.
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The Tradition of Embalming in Sicily
Rosalia’s mummy is well preserved thanks to a centuries-long tradition of preserving bodies in Sicily. The Sicilian tradition of embalming dates back centuries and is deeply rooted in the island’s complex history and culture. There are many theories as to when, why, and on the basis of what religion did the islanders start this practice. The reality is, due to the mashup of cultures that has created modern-day Sicily, the answer is probably a mix of many.In Sicily, the preservation and display of mummified bodies is a unique practice that offers a glimpse into the beliefs and traditions of the past. The catacombs in Palermo, such as the one at the Capuchin monastery, house nearly 2,000 meticulously preserved corpses, each dressed in their finest earthly attire. The bodies are organized, with religious figures on one wall, professionals on another, women in their own section, virgins given their own house altogether, and another room only for children.
Unlike Rosalia, however, most of the mummies are actually dried, giving them a much more ‘dead’ appearance than Rosalia has. The process of mummification in Sicily involves laying the bodies in chambers with specific conditions that allow for natural desiccation rather than decomposition. Over time, this method has resulted in the remarkable preservation of these bodies, some of which are centuries old. The Sicilian embalming tradition is not only a historical relic but also a cultural phenomenon that continues to intrigue and perplex visitors. Some view it as a tradition of the region, others a religious practice, while others, including some Sicilians, don’t like it at all. They believe that these poor dead should be properly buried and finally put to rest. However you view it, it is certainly an eerie but incredible sight to behold, all of these bodies hanging on the walls of the monastery.
Real or Fake
As already mentioned, there have been many people who have laid eyes on little Rosalia Lombardo and just simply could not believe that she was real. To address these doubts of her authenticity, scientists have used modern technology such as x-rays and MRIs to examine her remains. These tests have revealed that, not only are her organs still intact, but her brain and other internal structures are incredibly well-preserved.
The Mystery of Rosalia’s Eyes
One of the enduring mysteries surrounding Rosalia Lombardo is the claim that her eyes have been observed opening at times. Some people have gone in and said that they saw her eyelids flutter, revealing brilliant blue eyes. While this phenomenon has sparked speculation and even cult beliefs, it is likely attributed to changes in temperature or optical illusions rather than any supernatural occurrence. The mystery of her eyes opening adds another layer of intrigue to the legacy of Rosalia Lombardo.
Cultural Influence
Rosalia Lombardo’s perfectly preserved mummy has become a symbol not only of this Sicilian tradition, but also of society’s fascination with death and preservation. The sweet innocence of such a young child, frozen in time, has inspired artists, researchers, and visitors alike. The Rosalia’s mummy continues to draw crowds to the Catacombs of Sicily and leaves a lasting impression on everyone who has the opportunity to gaze upon her.
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