The Irish Wake ~Irish Lass~

The Irish Wake

Well since I've being having trouble copying and pasting from Word, Hangman has suggested I use Notepad, so lets hope it turns out right!

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THE IRISH WAKE.

The Irish wake is perhaps one of the best known funeral traditons associated with Ireland. The Wake, the glorious send-off of departed loved ones, is a prominent feature of Irish funeral traditions, but is seen ;ess and less often in mondern Ireland and is now almost unknown in the cities. But in many country areas the practise of watching over the recently deceased from the time of death to burial is still followed and is an important part of the grieving process, which is why many Irish funerals, outside of the cities, are still preceded by a wake.

The origin of the wake probably dates back to the ancient Jewish custom of leaving the sepulchre, or burial chamber, of a recently departed relative unsealed for three days before finally closing it up, during which time family members would visit frequently in the hope of seeing signs of a return to life.

A more recent story, which is almost certainly a myth, is that the tradition of the wake in Ireland came about as a result of the frequent lead poisoning suffered by drinkers of stour from pewter tankards. A symptop of the malaise is a catatonic state resembling death, from which the sufferer may recover after a period of a few hours to a day or so, to the relief of those watching for signs of such an awakening.

Whatever the orgins, there is no doubt that the ceremony of the wake has provided comfort to those who have nursed a loved one through a terminal illness or have had them snatched away by disaster without the chance to say goodbye. It is an opportunity to celebrate the departure from their home for the last time. A wake is a scene of both sadness and joy as the end of that life is marked but the life itself is remembered and treasured.

WHERE IS A MAKE HEALD?

A wake is usually held in the deceased's house, or the home of a close relative. It is becoming more common, especially in cities, for the traditional wake to be replaced by a 'viewing' at a funeral home. The immediate family of the deceased will be at the funeral palour and the protocols are similar to those followed at a wake held in the home.

If a wake or a viewing is taking place, the death notice will normally say 'resposing at..' and then give the address. During a wake, the location is usually evident as tehre will be lots of cars outside and quite often people gathered chatting in front of the house.

Typically, the body is waked for at least one night, during which time family, neighbours, friends, work colleagues and acquaintances visit the house to pay their respects.

WHO ATTENDS A WAKE?

If you knew the deceased, or know any member of the deceased's family, then you could attend the wake. You do not have to wait to be invited. Typically, a wake is attended by family, relatives, neighbours, friends, work colleagues, school and college friends, and acquaintances. However, if the death notice states 'House prived,' then the wake is restricted to the immediate family and invited guests.

It is not usual for children to attend a wake, unless they are close relatives of the deceased.

Men often visit the wake house late at night and sit with the body during the night. Close male neighbours and friends often volunteer to do this so that the family can get some rest.

Didn't!

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