Mystery and Reverence: The Spontaneous Mummification Phenomenon of San Bernardo, Colombia

In the mountainous Colombian town of San Bernardo, a remarkable discovery has left both residents and experts scratching their heads. Clovisnerys Bejarano gazes at a glass box containing her mother's body, perfectly preserved after 30 years. Saturnina Torres de Bejarano lies peacefully, dressed in her burial attire with a faux red carnation in her hands, as if she is simply sleeping.

"She looks just the same, with her round brown face, braids, and hair," Bejarano, now 63, shared with AFP as she visited her mother's body on display in a museum. The mystery of spontaneous mummification has baffled the people of San Bernardo for years. Despite numerous attempts to uncover the cause, the explanation remains elusive.

Some attribute it to divine intervention, seeing it as a sign from God. Others suggest that the town's healthy lifestyle and temperate climate might be factors, but concrete evidence is still lacking. The town's cemetery, perched on a steep mountainside, has become a focal point for scientific investigation.

Experts believe that the unique conditions within the burial vaults could be contributing to the preservation process. The prevailing winds and high temperatures in San Bernardo create an environment akin to an oven, dehydrating the bodies and halting decomposition. However, more research is needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding its origins, the phenomenon of spontaneous mummification has become ingrained in the town's culture and folklore. Tales of preserved bodies have become intertwined with San Bernardo's identity, sparking discussions about its meaning and impact on the afterlife. For families like the Bejaranos, the preservation of their loved ones' bodies is a poignant reminder of life's enigmas and the enduring power of family bonds.

While some choose cremation, others opt to keep their relatives' bodies intact, honoring their memory through the generations. As scientists delve deeper into this phenomenon, the people of San Bernardo remain captivated by its mystique, cherishing the wonder it brings to their lives.