Discover the ancient and modern role of professional mourners around the world, from Egypt to the U.S., and why this unique funeral tradition still exists today.
The mourners are actors who are paid by the hour to mourn in the crowd. Before the funeral, the actors are informed about the deceased and the life that they lived.
Jan 14, 2026 · The simplest definition is that professional mourners are paid to attend a funeral and express sorrow publicly—often through wailing, chanting, singing, or spoken lament.
Communal traditions of mourning help mourners identify and express their feelings in a socially acceptable way.
A mourner is a person who attends a funeral, especially as a relative or friend of the dead person. Weeks after his death, mourners still gather outside the house. Collins COBUILD Advanced.
Many cultures expect mourners to curtail certain activities, usually those considered frivolous or that are accompanied by expressions of joy. Historically, some cultures have employed professional.
