What Is Backlighting Phenomenon?

In a general view, the backlighting phenomenon when someone is about to die is often described as part of a near-death experience (NDE) — a common report among people who have been close to death and survived.

Many describe the following:

A bright light: Often seen at the end of a tunnel or surrounding spiritual figures. This light is described as peaceful and comforting.

Out-of-body experience: Some feel as if they are floating and looking down at their physical body.

Review of life: A rapid flashback of life events.

Meeting loved ones: Seeing deceased family or spiritual beings, often surrounded by light.

This "light" is sometimes called the backlight in a metaphorical sense — like light behind someone, casting a glow or symbolizing a transition.

From a scientific view, these sensations might be due to:

Reduced oxygen to the brain

Release of chemicals like endorphins

Brain activity in the visual cortex

From a spiritual or cultural view, it’s often seen as a sign of the soul preparing to transition to the afterlife.

Would you like a comparison between spiritual and scientific interpretations of near-death experiences?