Do Professional Mourners Still Exist?

Though most places no longer employ professional mourners, they still are relatively common in many parts of the world. They serve a very important purpose as one of the many ways death in different cultures appears in unique ways.

Can I get paid to cry?

Professional mourners must be professional and discrete because most people attending a funeral will not know the mourner is getting paid to shed tears. At an appropriate time, the professional mourner slips away with the grieving guests none the wiser.

Why do Chinese hire professional mourners?

In Chinese customs, professional mourning is believed to come from the usual theatrical performances done during the funeral. Actors and actresses hired by the family depict a certain part of the deceased's life and reenact it so that the guests will know him or her better.