Tears of Mourning to Tears of Joy We celebrate our culture by sharing it with others. For centuries stories have been passed down by Native people, telling of was experienced on the Trail of Tears. Did you know there is a Cherokee story about tears and the tear bead plant? This plant is also most well-known as Job’s tears, representing a Jewish man deep in mourning. Corn beads, also known as Cherokee Tear Beads and Job’s Tears, remind us of the beauty and strength that can be found in tragedy.