Why is a funeral service called a wake

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The Rosary would be said at midnight and most visitors would then leave. Those closest to the family would remain throughout the night. Professional mourners were often employed to display grief for the deceased. The more unexpected or tragic the death then the louder the mourning would be shown.

Games, music, and merriment occurred in the rooms outside of the mourning room where the deceased had been placed. These games helped to lighten the mood and pass the time while waiting to see if the deceased would wake.

Although the exact reasons behind the traditional Irish wake may have been lost or clouded, the emotions involved have not changed much over the years. A wake is no longer about ensuring that the deceased does not revive, but instead about the healing process for family and friends left behind.

Wakes provide the environment for tears, laughter, and memories. These traditional events allow each individual to mourn in the way that heals their own pain, and to do it in an atmosphere surrounded by others that loved and mourn the deceased in their own way as well. For many areas, the traditional Irish wake has been replaced with the custom of visitation. Most families no longer display the body in their own homes, but have turned that ritual over to the funeral homes and churches.

Despite the shift, in some areas the traditional Irish Wake continues to hold its ground. Elements of a Traditional Irish Wake The body would be prepared normally dressed in white and laid out in a designated room at the home of one of the family members. Most often, all mirrors would be turned around or covered. Candles would be lit and placed around the deceased. Food was an important part of the celebration.

A full meal would normally be served. How much does a funeral wake cost? Wills and probate. When someone dies, there are certain tasks that need to be taken care of. Dealing with online accounts after death.

Further Reading: Arranging a funeral. Read about how funerals are arranged and what services you can expect to get. Next Article. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website.

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