Zeng Jia

Zeng Jia

Chinese student who staged her own funeral
Country: China

Content:
  1. The Burial of a Living Soul: Zeng Jia's Mock Funeral
  2. Lying in State
  3. Military Honor Guard
  4. Epiphany
  5. A Unique Funeral

The Burial of a Living Soul: Zeng Jia's Mock Funeral

Premature Farewell

Zeng Jia, a 22-year-old Chinese student from Wuhan, orchestrated an elaborate mock funeral to witness the ceremony firsthand. Determined not to miss out on the somber occasion, she spent her savings on a realistic funeral complete with flowers, stuffed animals, photographers, and a group of "mourning" friends.

Lying in State

Dressed in a pristine white gown, Zeng Jia lay motionless in a coffin adorned with rows of white and yellow chrysanthemums. A Hello Kitty plush toy rested on her chest, while origami cranes hovered above. Makeup artists specializing in mortuary services painted her complexion ashen to complete the illusion.

Military Honor Guard

A man in military uniform stood guard next to Zeng Jia's coffin as friends and family members filed past to "bid farewell" to the presumed deceased. The student herself sat concealed within the coffin, listening intently to their eulogies.

Epiphany

After the ceremony, Zeng Jia emerged from her temporary tomb. Her extraordinary experience had profoundly shifted her perspective on life. She realized the futility of spending so much time and effort on those who had passed away, rather than cherishing their presence while they were still alive.

A Unique Funeral

Zeng Jia's mock funeral was an unconventional decision, but one that she did not regret. The strange and eerie experience had filled her with a renewed appreciation for life. She recognized the importance of expressing love and appreciation to those who were still with her, and vowed to live each day to the fullest.

© BIOGRAPHS