People have different ways of honouring the end of life. How we choose to be laid to rest often reflects personal and even spiritual beliefs.
For some, it is about returning to nature, such as having their ashes scattered at sea, while others prefer a traditional burial.
Legend has it that a famous composer was buried in Paris, but his heart lies forever in Poland.
Is this true?
Verdict:
True
The heart of the famous Polish composer Frederic Chopin does not reside in the city where he passed away, but in Warsaw, inside the Holy Cross Church.
Chopin died in Paris, France, at the young age of 39 in 1849. While many believe tuberculosis was the cause of his death, some researchers speculate that he may have actually suffered from cystic fibrosis.
Nevertheless, the exact cause of his death remains a mystery today.
Chopin’s last wish was for his heart to be returned to his homeland, even though his body was buried in Paris. His heart had to be smuggled past Russian authorities and kept hidden. Even decades later, during the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, it continued to serve as a symbol of Polish national pride.
During this time, the Nazis, who were occupying Poland, recognised Chopin's significance as a Polish national icon. As a result, they banned his music and removed his heart from the church. It was only after the war that the heart was returned and entombed in a pillar of the same church where it rests today.
References:
https://www.sfgate.com/music/
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/
