Two couples decided to hold their wedding ceremonies in a cemetery yesterday as a symbol of their love lasting until death.

Both brides worked in the cemetery in Hubei Province, according to People's Daily on its Website today. Although their wedding ceremony has aroused public controversy, it won the backing of a funeral-industry professor from Changsha Social Work College, who praised the move for breaking down popular prejudice about death.

The weddings in Changle Park Cemetery, Wuhan City, yesterday were almost the same as those held in hotels, the report said.

One of the bridegrooms, Liu Shen, said the ceremony acted as a tribute to his grandfather, who died during the war to resist United States aggression and aid Korea. His ashes are buried in the cemetery.

Liu's mother supported their decision and hoped their action can change public views of the funeral industry, the report said.

(Shanghai Daily September 23, 2009)