For sake of completeness, this is a continuation of yesterday’s blog whose topic was — undertaker. During the undertaker discussion, another “funeral” term came up — wake. No one was really sure where the term came from. Here’s what my extensive research revealed…
Apparently, the custom of the wake came about, at least in part, because it was important to ensure that the dead did not wake. The time of watching over the body was insure that the person was, in fact, deceased. The term and custom, still in use today, has basically been replaced with a time of visitation. Wakes probably had a superstitious origin — the fear of evil spirits hurting or even removing the body. Typically, mourners would keep watch or vigil over the dead until they were buried.
Growing up in Oklahoma, the term wake was never used, but I did learn a bit about Irish wakes along the way… I remember thinking it was more of an Irish thing rather than religious in nature.
In Ireland, the custom of waiting for the person to “wake” soon became a time to celebrate and mourn together. Family and friends would gather in the home to share stories, share food and — most often — drink in excess. The wake became a party. Irish wakes have some interesting traditions…
During Irish wakes the body would never be left unattended just in case the deceased did “wake.”
Usually the wake would begin as soon as the body could be prepared and it would continue until the family left for the funeral service.
All the clocks in the house would be stopped at the time of death. It was a sign of respect for the deceased.
Often, all mirrors would be turned around or covered.
Candles would be lit and placed around the deceased.
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 —the louder the mourning would be.
Games, music and merriment would take place outside of the mourning room where the deceased had been placed.
Food was an important part of the celebration.
Today, a wake, even in Ireland, is no longer about ensuring that the deceased does not revive, but instead about the healing process for family and friends left behind. Traditional Irish wakes have been replaced with the custom of visitation. Most families no longer display the body in their own homes, but conduct their rituals in funeral homes or churches.
Many people use the term wake today, but usually they are referring to a visitation period prior to the funeral.
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