Professional mourning

Professional mourning or paid mourning is a mostly historical occupation practiced in Mediterranean and Near Eastern cultures, and many other parts of the world. Professional mourners, also called moirologists, are compensated to lament or deliver a eulogy.

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Mentioned in the Bible, the occupation is widely invoked in literature, from the Ugaritic epics of early centuries BC to modern poetry. Held in high esteem in some cultures and times, the practice was vilified in others.

Female professional mourners also, called Rudaali, were common in many parts of India, especially in the Western Indian state of Rajasthan. These women were usually from the lower castes and would be hired by the upper castes on the death of a family member.