Legs, or more accurately, the toes, are sometimes tied together after death primarily to keep the legs together and maintain a natural position. This practice is particularly relevant after rigor mortis sets in.
Rigor Mortis and Post-Mortem Care
Rigor mortis is the stiffening of the body's muscles after death. This stiffening makes it significantly more difficult to position the body, particularly the legs. Tying the toes helps prevent the legs from splaying apart and simplifies the process of preparing the body for viewing or burial. As stated in several sources, this prevents fluids from leaking out, thereby aiding in respectful post-mortem presentation. (Source: Quora, 2018; multiple other Quora threads.)
Cultural Practices
While the primary reason for tying toes is practical, it's important to note that some cultural practices may also incorporate this step into their funeral rites. However, this is not the main reason behind the practice for most cultures.
Other Considerations:
It's crucial to remember that tying legs or toes is not a universal practice. Methods for preparing bodies for final rites vary significantly across cultures and religions.
