A Wake service has been a significant part of funeral history. It has provided a means for loved ones to pay their respects, bid farewell, and celebrate the deceased's life.
History of The Wake
The term 'wake' was derived from the Old English word, 'wacu,' which translates into 'watch' or 'vigil.' It is believed that the very first funeral wake took place in Ireland during the 6th Century. The original practice involved friends and family staying awake to keep vigil over their loved ones until they were buried, to ward off evil spirits and ensure that the soul of the deceased had indeed passed on.
In many cultures, the practice of holding a wake can be traced to ancient times, as it was a shared belief that the deceased's soul remained with the body until it could be buried. A wake in ancient times was thought to be a chance for the living to guide a soul to the afterlife.
Within the United States, a wake became a common practice during the 1800s, where it would be held in the home of the deceased. Friends and family gathered to share memories and support the bereaved.
Funeral wakes are a tradition still held today in many cultures worldwide, most often held within the funeral home or places of worship.
Traditions of an Irish Wake
An Irish wake is often a celebration of life, where these celebrations can be held in various places and conducted in multiple ways. Traditions can be passed down from family to family and mixed with modern and ancient observances.
One of the common traditions is for the body of the deceased to be laid out within the home of the deceased or a relative. Often, the body will be placed in front of a window, either for passersby to pay their respects or to allow the spirit of the deceased to leave the room. If the body is prepared within the home, candles and a pair of shoes are placed at the head and at the foot to help the deceased walk through purgatory.
Clocks within the home may be stopped at the hour of death, and mirrors are covered as a sign of respect for the dead. The night of the vigil itself was often a time of merriment, keeping those who were keeping vigil all night going and easing the suffering of the grieving family by enjoying food, drink, discussions, and storytelling.
Once the deceased is placed in a casket and taken by a hearse or carriage, a mourning procession follows the hearse, with traditional music played on a bagpipe.
After the funeral, mourners frequently head to the local pub to toast to the recently departed loved one and continue celebrating their life.
Philippines
The American occupation of the Philippines greatly impacted their culture. Concerning burial practices, Philippine culture borrowed heavily from American funeral practices. The wake, known as a lamay, is a tradition where friends and family hold the body of the deceased in a casket for five to seven days for viewing.
Shiva
Shiva is the Hebrew word "seven" and refers to the seven days of formalized mourning by the deceased's family. Shiva, or 'sitting shiva,' is more solemn and reflective in its tradition. The Talmud holds that the practice originated before the Flood, described in the story of Noah in Genesis.
Shiva begins immediately after the burial of a deceased loved one and concludes seven days later after the morning of service, known as Shacharit. Historically, Shiva is observed for seven days, but certain Jewish holidays may interrupt the traditional timing for Shiva.
Shiva is customarily observed in the home of the deceased and, if not possible, within the home of an immediate family member. Shiva begins with the custom of visitors washing their hands using a pitcher of water and basin outside the house, and a family member will generally light a Shiva candle, which then burns for seven days. Often, mirrors will be covered, as mourners do not leave their homes for the seven days of Shiva. They should not shave, use makeup, or attempt to look their best. It is believed that covering mirrors conveys to the grief-stricken family that personal appearance does not nor should not matter.
If visiting during Shiva for a condolence call, it is customary not to bring gifts or flowers, only food. At the end of Shiva, some Jewish families may observe the custom of walking around the block, a symbol of mourners slowly reentering the outside world.
While wake services today can be a time of mourning or celebrating, they allow us to honor the deceased. Wake services help shift the focus from death to life, helping us cherish the memories of those gone and carry on their legacy.