Ways to Make Money as a Professional Mourner

There are a lot of really unusual ways to make money. Some of them are really out there on the cusp of things many of us wouldn’t choose to do. Others have become so increasingly common that they’re better known as side hustles than anything really unusual. Where would you say that getting a job as a professional mourner falls on that spectrum?

What Is a Professional Mourner?

A professional mourner, sometimes referred to as a moirologist, is an individual who is hired to participate in funeral or mourning ceremonies as an expressive and emotional participant. Their role is to help create an atmosphere of grief and mourning by crying, wailing, and expressing sorrow in a dramatic way. Professional mourners are most commonly found in certain cultures and societies where elaborate funeral rituals and displays of grief are highly valued and expected. However, they are surprisingly becoming increasingly common among more traditional Western / American services as well.

History of Professional Mourners

While the use of professional mourners may seem foreign to some cultures, it’s important to recognize that these practices are deeply rooted in the traditions and beliefs of the societies that employ them. Examples from history include, but are not limited to:

1. Ancient Greece and Rome: The practice of hiring professional mourners can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome. In these societies, mourners were often women known as “keeners” or “dirge singers.” They would sing funeral dirges and engage in lamentations during the funeral procession and at the gravesite. These mourners were seen as helping to express the sorrow of the bereaved family.
2. Middle Eastern and North African Traditions: Professional mourners have a long history in the Middle East and North Africa as well. In some Arab and Islamic cultures, women known as “ululation performers” would use vocal expressions of grief to create a mournful atmosphere during funerals. This practice is known as “ululation.”
3. China: China has a tradition of professional mourners called “minghun.” These individuals would perform similar roles, wailing and expressing grief during funerals. They would also recite eulogies and engage in symbolic rituals to honor the deceased.

Professional Mourners Around the World Today

Cultures around the world still utilize professional mourners today. Parts of Africa and the Middle East, for example, continue to include them in services. Moreover, even some Western cultures continue to include them in traditional funerals. This is more common in parts of Greece and Italy than in America or the UK. However, you can occasionally find them just about anywhere. Which means, of course, that you can potentially find a job as a professional mourner in various places.

What Is a Professional Mourner Hired to Do?

The primary goal of professional mourners is to help create a meaningful and emotionally charged mourning experience for the bereaved family and the community. This allows the family to express their grief as well. It’s important to note that the specific role and expectations of professional mourners can vary widely from one culture to another.

Some of the things that you might be expected to do if hired in this role include:

1. Express Grief: Professional mourners genuinely and dramatically express grief. This may involve crying, wailing, and demonstrating visible signs of emotional distress. 
2. Participate in Funeral Procession: They may walk alongside or in front of the casket, setting the tone for the mourning ritual.
3. Sing Laments and Dirges: Professional mourners may sing traditional funeral songs, laments, or dirges. These 
4. Recite Eulogies and Laments: In addition to singing, professional mourners may recite eulogies or laments as part of the mourning ritual. These speeches express the sadness and admiration for the deceased.
5. Provide Emotional Support: Professional mourners may offer emotional support to the bereaved family and other mourners. They are often there to create a sense of community, including offering comfort.
6. Symbolic Gestures: Some traditions involve specific symbolic gestures or rituals, such as tearing clothing, throwing earth on the casket, or even self-mutilation, as a way of expressing grief. Professional mourners may be responsible for performing these acts.
7. Maintain Cultural and Religious Traditions: Professional mourners play a crucial role in upholding and preserving cultural and religious funeral customs. They ensure that the appropriate rituals are followed and that the deceased is honored in accordance with tradition.
8. Set the Tone: Overall, in this role, you would help set the emotional tone for the funeral or mourning ceremony. You guide the mourners in their grief process.

How to Get a Job as a Professional Mourner

It’s unusual to see advertisements for this type of job. Instead, you might want to approach this as a freelance or independent contractor position. Get your own “training” by doing your research, volunteering locally at services, and perhaps finding someone in your area to mentor you if you can. Then, set up a website and social media channels letting people know about the services that you offer.

From there, you’ll want to network and seek to find jobs, which you might do by working with:

• Funeral services: Some funeral homes and service providers may offer unique funeral customization options. You can inquire with funeral directors or funeral homes if they provide the service of professional mourners or if they are open to the idea.
• Cultural and religious organizations: In communities with strong cultural or religious traditions that involve elaborate funeral rituals, there may be opportunities to participate in these ceremonies. You could explore roles within these organizations.
• Other organizations associated with death and dying. For example, hospice care providers, grief counseling centers, and other associated places can be a good place to advertise.
• Acting: Professional actors or performers with a background in drama or theater arts may occasionally find roles as mourners in theatrical productions, historical reenactments, or immersive experiences. This can be a good way to get practice if you are new to the job.
• Event planning: Event planners who specialize in creating custom and unique experiences may occasionally incorporate elements of mourning or memorial rituals into events. You could collaborate with event planners who are looking for individuals to play specific roles in themed events or ceremonies.

Read More:

• Work With the Dead: Strange Ways to Make Money
• 38 Easy Ways to Stack Money on the Side
• 10 Inexpensive Alternatives to Flowers at Funerals 

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Kathryn Vercillo

Kathryn Vercillo is a professional writer who loves to live a balanced life. She appreciates a good work-life balance. She enjoys balance in her relationships and has worked hard to learn how to balance her finances to allow for a balanced life overall. Although she’s only blonde some of the time, she’s always striving for total balance. She’s excited to share what she’s learned with you and to discover more together along the way.