Why the Tongue Comes Out After Death - Cultural Explanations and Finding Closure

The Phenomenon of the Protruding Tongue After Death

The passing of a loved one is always difficult. In the midst of grief, family members are sometimes startled to see the deceased's tongue protruding from their mouth. This phenomenon has led to many questions about why it occurs and what it means.

Here we will explore some of the leading scientific explanations for the protruding tongue after death. We will also delve into the possible spiritual meanings behind this occurrence in different cultures throughout history. Knowing the facts can grant peace of mind to those struggling to understand the changes in their loved one's appearance.

Physical Explanations for the Protruding Tongue

There are a few physiological reasons why the tongue can come out of the mouth after someone dies.

As the muscles relax after death, the jaw can fall open and the tongue can passively slide forward. When we die, our muscles no longer receive signals from the brain to stay contracted. So as the muscles controlling the jaw and tongue fully relax, this often exposes the tongue.

Gravity can also guide the tongue out of the mouth as the body lays supine. With no muscle activation to keep things in place, the tongue will simply fall where gravity leads it.

The buildup of gases during decomposition can also protrude the tongue. As tissues break down, gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrogen sulfide accumulate inside the body. This bloating can force the tongue forward.

Drying of the oral mucosa after death has also been cited as a factor. As the mouth dries out, the tongue can stick to the palate and emerge from the mouth as the jaw drops.

In some cases, a seizure right before death or during the agonal phase may be behind the protruding tongue. Seizures cause loss of muscle control which could relax the tongue enough to fall forward.

Cultural Beliefs About the Protruding Tongue

Many cultures around the world have developed their own funeral rituals, spiritual explanations, and superstitions related to the protruding tongue after death.

In Polynesia, an exposed tongue is thought to represent the soul leaving the body. They believe the soul is contained in the mouth, so the tongue's emergence signals the spirit's release.

Some Latin American traditions state that if the deceased's tongue is sticking out, their soul is at peace. It means they have successfully passed to the afterlife and are free from suffering.

In traditional Chinese culture, a protruding tongue reflects a good death. The tongue is seen as a conduit to release the spirit, so its exposure is welcomed.

Another Chinese tradition states that seeing a dead person's tongue means their life essence has yet to dissipate. Family members may push the tongue back in to settle the spirit and allow peaceful departure.

In Victorian England, the protruding tongue was associated with lewdness or sexual misbehavior. It was seen as the deceased being punished for lascivious acts.

Some African cultures use the tongue's positioning to determine if witchcraft was involved in the death. They believe an elevated tongue signals a supernatural cause, while a flat tongue reflects a natural cause.

In Mexican folklore, a protruding tongue signals that the dead was a gossip who talked too much in life. Their loose tongue is now sticking out as a reprimand.

Medical Conditions that Can Protrude the Tongue

While the protruding tongue typically only occurs after death, certain medical conditions can also cause the tongue to stick out while a person is still alive.

Stroke is one potential cause, as it can create unilateral weakness that makes maintaining proper tongue position difficult. With one side of the tongue weaker, it can deviate from center.

Seizures can also make the tongue protrude, especially tonic-clonic seizures with loss of muscle control. The tongue may briefly jut forward during seizure activity.

Sleep apnea is another condition that can prompt the tongue to fall backward into the airway during sleep. This can indirectly protrude the tongue as the person awakens and the airway reopens.

Rare cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can display a protruding tongue during later stages. As the disease attacks motor neurons, progressive muscle weakness eventually impacts the tongue.

Less commonly, facial paralysis from Bell's palsy or Guillain-Barre syndrome may allow one side of the tongue to protrude more than the other.

Steps to Manage a Protruding Tongue After Death

While the protruding tongue can be disturbing to family members, there are a few steps that can be taken to address the issue.

The first priority is understanding that this phenomenon is a natural part of the body's changes after death. Nothing should be done to alter the deceased's body before the expected funeral proceedings.

If the protruding tongue greatly distresses family members, they can gently close the jaw and slide the tongue back inside the mouth. But this should only be done if culturally appropriate based on the funeral traditions.

Discussing preferences with family members can help decide if action should be taken. Having an open conversation can ease concerns about what procedures are acceptable.

The family may choose to leave the tongue protruding if it aligns with certain cultural beliefs about death and the soul. There is no medical reason it necessarily needs to be changed.

If repositioning the tongue, avoid using excessive force as post-mortem changes make tissues fragile. Notify the mortician so they are aware before preparing the deceased's body.

Seeing a protruding tongue can be distressing, but learning about its causes and meaning in different cultures can replace misconceptions with peace. It does not have to detract from the beautiful memories of your loved one's life.

Why Tongue Protrusion Should Not Cause Distress

When a deceased loved one's tongue is sticking out, it's natural to have questions and concerns. However, there are several key reasons why this phenomenon does not have to be a source of distress.

It's a Normal Part of Physiology

As we explored earlier, there are natural physiological causes for the tongue to protrude after death. As muscles relax and rigidity subsides, the tongue can simply fall forward and become exposed. This does not indicate anything bad or supernatural. It is just a natural result of the processes that occur after death.

It Does Not Indicate Suffering

A protruding tongue arises after death, not during the actual dying process. It does not mean your loved one experienced anguish or suffering at the time of death. The tongue emerges afterward as part of the body's changes, so try not to let it create false perceptions of a painful death.

It Is Not an Indignity to the Body

Some may see the exposed tongue as undignified or disgraceful to the deceased. However, there is nothing disrespectful about it. Our bodies go through natural changes after death that are beyond our control. A protruding tongue is just one of these changes, not a desecration of the body's dignity.

Spiritual Meanings Can Bring Comfort

As covered earlier, many faiths and cultures see spiritual significance in a protruding tongue. Whether as a sign of the departed soul or as part of a transition to the afterlife, these spiritual explanations can bring profound comfort to grieving loved ones. It helps transform what appears undignified into something meaningful.

The Deceased's Wishes Are Most Important

If the deceased's tongue protrusion greatly distresses you, consider their preferences first. Did they have any wishes about funeral preparations that should guide next steps? Respecting their values can provide solace and prevent actions they would object to. Their beliefs should remain paramount.

The Memorial Is About Life, Not Death

Funerals and memorial services aim to honor the deceased's life, not their death. As you pay tribute to their memory, try to focus on cherished moments and accomplishments. The circumstances of their death deserve little attention compared to the joy of their life.

With an understanding of the physiology and cultural spiritual meanings, the protruding tongue does not have to detract from remembering your loved one. Use their life's work and principles as the guideposts moving forward.

Working Through Stages of Grief After Loss

When a protruding tongue intensifies grief after losing a loved one, know that painful emotions are normal after a death. Recognizing the stages of grief can help you cope.

Denial

When we first learn of a death, denial and disbelief are common reactions. The protruding tongue may prompt greater denial by disturbing your memories. Give yourself time to process the reality of the loss.

Anger

Frustration about a protruding tongue changing a loved one's appearance can stir up anger. Releasing these feelings through exercise or talking with someone you trust can help prevent bottling up emotions.

Bargaining

Some may start bargaining and thinking "if only" the tongue hadn't protruded, it would lessen their grief. Try to be gentle with yourself - bargaining is a normal part of working through loss.

Depression

The weight of grief and loneliness after death often leads to depression. Seeing a counselor or therapist can be very beneficial during this stage. There are always people ready to listen and help you through dark times.

Acceptance

With time and support, the intense pain of grief gives way to acceptance. Cherished memories become joyful again rather than sad. You start reconciling the physical absence with an enduring spiritual presence.

Be patient and take all the time needed to move through each stage - there is no set timeline. Let loved ones surround you with compassion through the grieving process.

How Spirituality Can Help Grieving Families Find Meaning

The death of a loved one with a protruding tongue can profoundly impact family members who shared in their life journey. Leaning into one's spirituality often helps find meaning amid the pain.

The Soul Lives On

Most faith traditions teach that a person's essence transcends the physical body. Your loved one's spirit, the core of who they were, continues existing even without the earthly form you knew. Their soul endures unchanged, regardless of post-mortem body changes.

Death Is Not the End

Spiritual beliefs remind us that death is a transition between two worlds, not a final endpoint. Your loved one is simply passing to whatever lies beyond earthly life. Faith provides confidence that you will reconnect someday.

Cherish Fond Memories

Even when death alters a loved one's mortal appearance, your warm memories of embracing their spirit while alive endure unchanged. Hold tight to moments that illuminate who they were as a person when relating to you.

Release Regret and Anger

Rather than fixating on feelings of anger or regret, practice self-forgiveness and seek inner peace. Your loved one would want you to reconcile the past and be gentle with yourself. Forgive them, forgive yourself, and let go.

Death Has No Power Over Love

The power of the love you shared transcends death's external changes to the body. No physical changes can erase or alter the meaningful connections you made in life. Love conquers all.

Leaning on faith helps transform painful endings into joyful beginnings. Your loved one wishes you peace - let spirituality guide the way.

Finding Closure Through Remembering a Life Well-Lived

Seeing a protruding tongue after your loved one's passing can make finding closure difficult. The key is focusing on how they lived, not how they died.

Recalling Happy Memories

Combat painful images by intentionally remembering uplifting moments - family holidays, accomplishments, passions. Let these memories flood your mind instead.

Celebrating Their Legacy

Think of all the lives your loved one touched and the contributions they made to better the world. Their lasting legacy and impact on others tell the story of a life well lived.

Living Your Own Life More Fully

Death often motivates us to reflect on our purpose and values. Follow your loved one's inspirational example by pursuing meaningful activities and deepening bonds.

Finding the Silver Lining

Look for even small positives that came from your loved one's life - lessons you learned, memories made. These glimmers of light can provide solace during dark times.

Saying Goodbye Your Way

If a formal funeral won't provide proper closure, create your own personalized goodbye ritual. This could involve writing them a letter, visiting a meaningful spot, or donating to a charity they cared about.

A protruding tongue does not have to ruin warm remembrances if you intentionally redirect your focus. Honor your loved one by carrying their torch and living your life more purposefully.

Conclusion

Discovering a deceased loved one's tongue protruding can be an alarming and distressing sight. However, learning about the natural physiological causes behind it and the spiritual meanings different cultures attach to it can help bring acceptance and peace.

Rather than allowing a protruding tongue to dominate grief, redirect focus to fond memories and the legacy of a life well-lived. With time and support, peaceful closure and acceptance are still attainable.

Your loved one's essence and spirit endure untouched by bodily changes after death. Honor them by living your life more purposefully going forward, guided by their lasting light within you.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.