Why is it called a wake after a funeral?

Why is it called a wake after a funeral?

Why is it called a wake? The word wake in relation to death originally meant a ‘watch’, ‘vigil’ or ‘guard’. It was used to refer to a prayer vigil, usually held late at night or overnight, where mourners would keep watch over their dead until they were buried.

What does wake mean in funeral?

The wake or visitation is typically the day before the funeral service and refers to a time when family and friends come to pay their respects to the deceased.

What do they call the gathering after a funeral?

repast
A repast is any gathering after a funeral service. You might have heard it called a reception, which is what it’s commonly known as today. Repasts are less formal than a funeral service or memorial. They are typically open to everyone who came to the funeral, though they can also be private, depending on the family.

Is it wake keep or wake keeping?

There are no such words as “wake-keeping” and “wake-keep”. The right expression is “wake.” Virtually all funeral announcements in this part of the world disseminate this blunder in blissful flamboyance.

Why is it called a repass?

The word “repast” has Latin roots and translates to “to eat.” In the past, the word was used to mean any mealtime, but eventually became solely used for the meal eaten after a funeral. The point of this tradition was to offer those who were closest to the deceased the chance to grieve privately.

How did a wake originate?

The term wake was originally used to denote a prayer vigil, often an annual event held on the feast day of the saint to whom a parish church was dedicated. It used to be the custom in most Celtic countries in Europe for mourners to keep watch or vigil over their dead until they were buried – this was called a “wake”.

Is it repass or repast after funeral?

A repast, pronounced repass, is when people gather after the memorial or funeral service. Generally a repast is open to everyone. An announcement is usually made by the surviving family, clergy, or funeral director inviting the audience after the funeral service.

Where does the term’wake’come from at a funeral?

In today’s world, the wake has been used instead of the common used phrase visitation, (At least in N. America) as a time to mourn the deceased and receive visitors to give condolences to the family. However the term ‘wake’ comes from Ireland. It was customary when a person died]

What do you call the gathering after a funeral?

In some cultures, the gathering following a funeral is known as a luncheon, while in others, it is considered a wake. The former usually involves close loved ones of the deceased gathering for a meal at a church or another location away from the funeral home.

Why are there wakes and luncheons at funerals?

They are traditional among Irish families in particular. Some wakes are held prior to the funeral, and others are held afterwards. Both luncheons and wakes are means to exchange stories about the deceased and for the living to comfort each other.

What to do at a wake at a funeral?

During a wake, there will often be refreshments. Mourners may have a drink (depending on their culture, traditions or religion) and help themselves to food from a buffet. The person’s favourite food or drinks may even be served, which can be a very nice touch.