Wake
Wake
A wake is a gathering held after someone has died, traditionally involving family and friends coming together to spend time with the person who has died and with each other. In Australia, the word is now most commonly used to describe the gathering that takes place after a funeral or graveside ceremony.
The traditional wake. The word wake has a long history in Western funeral traditions. In the traditional Irish wake, for example, the person who has died would remain at home, often for a period of time before the funeral, while family, friends and members of the community gathered around them. People might pray, tell stories, share food and drink, keep the person company and spend time together before the funeral and burial.
The person was present. Traditionally, a wake was associated with keeping watch over the person who had died. This is one of the origins of the word and is closely related to the idea of a Vigil.
The Australian meaning. In contemporary Australia, wake generally means something different. It most often refers to the gathering held after the funeral, particularly after a Graveside or cremation service. The person who has died is usually not present.
A place to gather. A wake might be held at a pub, club, restaurant, community hall, private home, garden or other venue. Food and drinks are commonly provided, and people may spend time talking, sharing stories and remembering the person in a less formal environment than the funeral itself.
It can be part of the farewell. Although the wake happens after the formal funeral ceremony, it can be just as important to the people attending. The funeral provides a structured opportunity to acknowledge the death and say goodbye; the wake provides time to relax, reconnect, tell stories and support one another.
Not necessarily solemn. A wake can be quiet and reflective, but it can also be lively and celebratory. Laughter, music, food, drinks and stories are all perfectly consistent with a wake. The atmosphere often reflects the personality of the person who has died and the relationships they had with those around them.
Wake, funeral and memorial. A Funeral is held with the person who has died present. A Memorial is held without the coffin or casket present. A wake is generally a gathering after the funeral, although the traditional meaning of the word was quite different.
A wake is ultimately time set aside for people to be together after someone has died. To talk, remember, support one another and, often, celebrate the life of the person they have just farewelled.