Although Chinese have great respect for the dead, that same respect is rarely paid to the undertakers responsible for preparing the dead for burial or cremation.

In an effort to recognize the important work of the funeral industry, Beijing held a national competition for undertakers, offering the winners a National May 1st Labour Medal, the most prestigious medal awarded to Chinese workers.

Despite cultural taboos and prejudices around death, the National Cremation Skills Competition drew 54 competitors who were judged based upon their practical skills and grasp of theory.

The competition was organized by the Ministry of Civil Affairs who considers the most important qualities of being an undertaker an ability to show respect for the deceased, comfort bereaved relatives, and cremate the deceased so as to produce “ivory white ashes without any impurities.”

The winners of the contest were Wei Tong and Wang Yuanyuan from Beijing’s Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery, and Wei Zhongshan from Jiangxi province’s Nanchang Funeral Management office.