SHANGHAI: A woman undertaker in China has trended on social media thanks to the stark contrast between her good looks and her job of dealing with the dead.
Pan Meili, in her 30s, has been embalming bodies for 15 years since she graduated from the Changsha Social Work College. She majored in funeral services.
Pan works at a funeral service franchise in Qingdao, eastern Shandong province, and has served 15,000 families so far, the Xiaoxiang Morning Herald reported.
She attracted public attention after she began releasing videos about her work in May.
Many internet users were intrigued by the contrast between her appearance, which is similar to that of famous singer Zhang Bichen, and the work she does.
Pan has amassed 870,000 followers on social media and garnered more than seven million likes.
Some people have criticised her use of make-up, nail polish and perfume while working. However, Pan says they do not affect her performance.
“I am not afraid of ghosts because they are the relatives of the family who they love and miss very much,” Pan was quoted as saying.
“I empathise with both the living and the dead,” she said. “I believe the spirits of the dead stay around shortly after they die. The spirits are also at a loss, so I should comfort them.”
Pan says prejudice against her profession exists, with many people thinking twice about forming a relationship with someone who does such a job.
“I do not care about this opinion since I make money through my honest labour,” said Pan.
“However, I respect this general feeling about my job, so I do not take the initiative to shake hands with others, pat little children or sit in my clients’ homes or touch their things,” she added.
In a viral video, Pan is seen embalming a woman; she talked to the body while applying make-up on her face, telling it not to be afraid or have any concerns and that her family is there.
She is also seen comforting the woman’s tearful daughter.
“Do not cry otherwise your mother will not feel comfortable while leaving.”
In the case of a young mother who died, Pan found her face was haggard and her lips were black because they had been frozen in the mortuary.
“I thought she would not feel comfortable with such a look. So I made her up by applying pink lipstick. Her family, touched by my work, offered to give me tips, which I declined. They appreciated my efforts in making the woman look decent while leaving this world,” said Pan.
Pan recalled that when she was a teenager, she hoped to be a beauty blogger because “every girl likes being beautiful”.
However, due to her poor family background, she had to study for this line of work to secure a job upon graduation.
After working in the industry for many years, Pan said she learned to be optimistic and take every distress in life in her stride.
“Not everyone can live to 80 or 90 years old. So we should live well each day,” Pan said.
Her story has resonated online.
One internet user said: “Working at a funeral home is challenging. Most people are not willing to take this job. Also, she works so professionally. I salute Pan Meili.”
Another person said: “It is a great job. Our society needs this group of people because death is as normal as breath.” - South China Morning Post
