During the Ming dynasty, some Taoist priests were hired to create and perform musical performances where they often danced or played musical instruments for their patrons. Taoist priests also participated in death rituals. However, some wealthy families objected to hiring Taoist priests for their funerals due to their Confucian beliefs that argued against the lavish musical performances that usually accompanied Taoist funerals. Taoist priests chose whether to marry or not. But to continue the hereditary title, the Celestial Master had to be married to pass the title to an eligible male heir.