15年，2000多次告别：一位90后的“生死笔记”

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the life and work of Xu Senlin, a funeral service worker, emphasizing the emotional challenges and societal perceptions of the funeral industry in China, as well as the growing demand for professional funeral services due to demographic changes. Group 1: Industry Growth and Trends - The funeral service industry in China has experienced rapid growth over the past decade, with a significant increase in the number of registered companies, particularly a 50.72% year-on-year increase in 2021, reaching a peak in the last ten years with 26,500 new registrations [23]. - Factors such as population aging, urbanization, and rising consumer spending are driving the expansion of the funeral service sector, leading to a comprehensive development in both quality and quantity [44]. Group 2: Professional Practices and Challenges - Xu Senlin and his team provide comprehensive funeral services, ensuring that they are familiar with local customs and practices, which vary by region and ethnicity [21]. - The emotional toll on funeral service workers is significant, as they often deal with grieving families who may express their sorrow through anger or physical outbursts [24]. - The work requires a high level of responsibility and attention to detail, as each family’s needs and cultural practices must be respected and accommodated [21][25]. Group 3: Personal Experiences and Societal Perceptions - Xu Senlin's personal journey reflects the stigma associated with working in the funeral industry, as friends and family may distance themselves due to the nature of his work [18][19]. - Despite the challenges, there is a growing recognition and appreciation for the work done by funeral service professionals, with many families expressing gratitude for the support provided during difficult times [34][54]. - The industry is often viewed as lucrative, but the reality involves significant emotional labor and irregular working hours, with workers frequently on call [37][41]. Group 4: Community Engagement and Support - Xu Senlin and his team have engaged in charitable acts, such as providing free services to families in need, demonstrating a commitment to compassion within the industry [49][50]. - The use of social media platforms to share experiences and educate the public about funeral practices aims to normalize discussions around death and promote understanding [56][57].