Empress Dowager Cixi's funeral marked by historical mysteries

The funeral of Empress Dowager Cixi, a powerful figure of the late Qing Dynasty, has become a subject of historical legend due to several unusual occurrences during her burial process in 1909.

Following her death in 1908, a massive five-day funeral was organized, costing millions of dollars. Historical accounts note that during the procession to her final resting place, the weather shifted abruptly from clear skies to severe storms and heavy rain as the coffin reached Sung Wen Gate. While modern science attributes this to atmospheric convection, it was viewed as a spiritual omen at the time.

Another reported phenomenon involved a red liquid leaking from the coffin after heavy rains. Experts suggest this was likely a result of natural decomposition and pressure buildup within the sealed coffin, despite the use of preservatives and corrosion-resistant materials. While many aspects of the event have scientific explanations, certain mysteries surrounding her life and final journey continue to be debated.