by Peter Scott

Created on: November 28, 2010

Following the funeral service and burial, the Irish wake is a prolonged and informal celebration of the deceased by his or her family and friends. It can last as little as a few hours or occasionally continue into the next day, particularly in country areas where the bond between family and friends is still considered very important.

Invariably, the wake begins at the local public house since most funerals take place during opening hours (the earliest time for a church funeral is usually 10am and most pubs are open by 11am, by which time the funeral and burial are well finished). In a modern city such as Dublin, it is expected that close friends will attend the wake, even on a working day. This is why most Irish businesses will allow an employee to take some time off when a friend dies, even though the friend is not a close relative of the employee. Outside the major cities, it is expected that the town or village will effectively close while everyone pays their respects at the funeral, burial and wake.

If the deceased had a large number of friends and colleagues, it is sometimes common for the wake to be held in a club, or occasionally a hotel. In the country the club would be the local Gaelic Athletic Club (GAA), or other sports club. If the deceased's family was wealthy, they might arrange for the wake to be held in the local hotel. It is less common for the wake to begin in the home of the deceased, although it often ends there.

The common element of any Irish wake is alcohol; all present celebrate the life of the deceased by drinking. The deceased is the centre of conversation, where people relate positive stories and generally elevate the dead person's position in life. As the day progresses and people become  more affected by alcohol, the celebrations can become more lively with music and singing in evidence. Food is usually provided (sandwiches and snacks), and often paid for by the family of the deceased. However, everyone buys their own drink, usually by the famous 'round' system where individuals take turn to buy drinks for everyone in their group.

When a wake continues beyond closing time of the pub, club or hotel, those remaining will usually return to the house of the deceased in the early hours for more drink and stories. This is when the family will be expected to provide free drink, typically some bottles of whiskey; it rarely happens in the cities these days due to pressure of work. By the morning, despite lack of sleep, family members will often cook an Irish breakfast for any remaining survivors. The wake will eventually end when the last person departs.

The concept behind the wake is simple - it provides solace and support for the deceased's immediate family. Although professional mourners and keening (public wailing) are no longer part of the modern Irish wake, there are still many references to the ancient wake. It also provides closure for friends and family, and reminds people of the importance of family and friends within contemporary Irish society.

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