Why is a pearl placed on the mouth of a decedent for Buddhist and Taoist Funerals?

A pearl is usually placed on the mouth of a decedent for Buddhist and Taoist Funerals. Traditionally, this pearl has a twofold purpose. Firstly, it is to light the way for the decedent in the afterlife as it is believed to be a dark place and secondly, it is to bribe the officials along the way in the other world.

If you do not see a pearl, it could be because the pearl has fallen off and dropped into the coffin. Do not be alarmed as although a rare occurrence, this still happens as we do not glue the pearl on to the mouth. We simply place it on top gently. If this happens, let it be. Do not open the coffin once again just to place the pearl on the mouth. This is because Buddhist and Taoist both have the belief of closing the lid of the coffin once to signify only one funeral wake. Closing it twice would signify more than one death.