Definition of mummy - What it is, Meaning and Concept

The etymology of mummy takes us to the classical Arabic mūmiyā ', a word that alludes the betun employee in the embalming of corpses .This term, in turn, derived from the Persian mum , which can be translated as "wax" .

A mummy is a corpse that, either by a man-made procedure or naturally, is dried out without rotting .The mummies, therefore , do not enter rot in spite of the passage of time.

In most regions of the planet, when a human being or an animal dies, a process of degradation begins.However, in certain areas, this does not happen since the cold, dryness and other conditions prevent the appearance of microorganisms: in this way, the body is mummified.

The children of Llullaillaco are a example of natural mummies.This is about three small Incas who died in a rite about five centuries ago, whose remains were found near the summit of the volcano Llullaillaco , in the Argentine province of Salta .By the environmental characteristics, the bodies became mummies that were kept in very good condition.

For religious reasons, various cultures developed the artificial mummification with the intention of preserving the corpses.In the Ancient Egypt the practice had a great ritual importance, since it prepared the deceased for the trip to Mas Alla .

There is a popular legend linked to an alleged curse of the Egyptian mummies , which would attack those who attempt to desecrate their graves.Along the history books were created, comics, TV series and movies inspired by this belief, such as the film trilogy starring Brendan Fraser .