i've come to not completely write off shit like this because i do think that there is something to traditional thats passed down and used for generations. it may seem primitive but i think there may be more than it seems. i have a theory as to why this might work, and it's completely based in psychology, not biology or some theology or arcane bullshit. you know how liars usually make up extraneous details to "justify" or "support" their lie? they do far more than necessary to try and compensate for the fact that they are lying instead of someone who is telling a simple truth. i think it works with actions like this. someone who is innocent would timidly and swiftly lick that hot iron just to get it over with. someone who is guilty would overemphasize their action to "really prove" their innocence and by doing so in this case cause the prolonged momentary heat exposure to burn their tongue. so liars, by being extra, burn their tongue in over-zealous attempts to prove their innocence while honest people just do it almost too lightly because they are scared and know in their heart its just true.
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