Tears are liquid drops that flow from the eyes when one is sad, happy, or emotional. They can also be produced when someone is cutting onions or has something in their eye. Tears contain salt, water, and mucus, but no fat or protein. When crying, the lacrimal glands release more tears than normal. Tears are usually salty because they are made up of electrolytes like sodium and potassium. These elements help to keep the eyes moisturized and lubricated.
Some people believe that tasting tears can have a spiritual significance. They argue that it can be seen as communion with the body's truth. In this sense, tasting tears could represent an intimate connection between two individuals who share deep feelings of love, grief, or joy. This idea is similar to the concept of communion in religion, where believers consume bread and wine to symbolize the relationship between God and humanity.
There is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
Tear taste varies depending on what makes them come out.
Tears caused by onions may taste bitter due to sulfuric compounds. Those brought on by emotion tend to be salty. Some people find tears sweet while others think they taste sour. There is some research showing that tear taste can change based on hormone levels during pregnancy and menstruation. Still, scientists don't know much about how other factors affect tear taste or its meaning beyond basic physiology.
While many cultures view tears as a sign of weakness or vulnerability, some see them as powerful and transformative. In Japanese culture, for instance, crying is considered healthy and acceptable. Shinto priests traditionally drink their own tears to purify themselves before performing ceremonies. Tears also play a role in some Native American rituals, which involve collecting and storing them for later use.
We must avoid over-spiritualizing something like tear-tasting because doing so could lead to harmful beliefs and behaviors. The act of consuming one's partner's tears without consent or reciprocity could be seen as manipulative or abusive. We should not confuse communion with intimacy or assume that tasting someone else's emotional output automatically means you understand them better than anyone else.
Can tasting tears be understood as communion with the body's truth?
Tasting one's own tears is not necessarily an act of communion with the body's truth, but it can certainly hold some significance for people who engage in this behavior. It may serve as a way to connect with oneself on a deeper level by experiencing one's emotions in a physical way. Some researchers believe that crying releases endorphins, which could explain why tears taste bitter.