I have been thinking about having an Irish Wake for a month of Sundays. Now that old age is creeping up, it means crunch-time is just around the corner. Do I proceed with this daring plan or sweep it under the rug? I’ve known people who have talked about having one, including Sheila’s mother. However I don’t know anyone that did. I may be the first!
Death is an inescapable part of every community and culture. In spite of how harsh death can be, it can surprisingly unite people and bring them closer. That may sound weird, but when someone dies, people become more aware of their final destination.
Each culture grieves in its very own way. The same applies to Ireland where grieving means carrying out an Irish wake.
I want to die at home and experience a traditional Irish Wake whose customs run the gamut from profound grieving to rollicking good fun. I definitely want the Wake to be held in a specially prepared room in my house.
The Irish belief in the ways of the supernatural has always intrigued me. Where there is life there is also death and Ireland has a unique way of bonding and uniting people. It is a way for all to say goodbye and grieve in familiar surroundings, while still trying to remember happier times. Customs surrounding funerals in Ireland have been passed down through the generations.
In my special room the windows must be left open so that my spirit can leave so effortlessly that the lit candles at the head and foot of the coffin will not flicker.
I would be dressed in my best clothes for the occasion. Clocks will be stopped at the time of my death. The practice of covering mirrors is to stop mourners from being trapped within the mirror itself if my spirit saw their reflection. The Wake allows for a peaceful goodbye. I’m positive that while I’m lying there, I would feel the serenity in the room.
There is usually constant vigil lest evil spirits come and take over the soul – I wouldn’t want that for sure. Once outside the Waking room visitors often share a drink and talk about times gone by.
Customarily the coffin is removed from the house feet first so that the dead cannot find their way back in. Then to the church for the funeral and afterwards the burial. People gather around the grave for the final goodbye. Kind words are spoken, and blessings are made.
“Be careful in the graveyard, it is bad luck to step on someone’s grave, and if you trip or fall in the graveyard it is considered extremely bad luck and according to some superstitions it could result in your death.”
Many people who are Irish but do not live in Ireland insist that they are brought back for burial or to have their ashes scattered there. Many believe that their souls will never rest unless they are with their ancestors in the land that hold their heart and soul.
In the history of Ireland there were many superstitions surrounding death and how spirits many return to haunt the living. As a result of these superstitions many practices were performed and many of these were devised to protect the living.
common practice to execute criminals at in unconsecrated ground as it was
Modern life has changed some aspects of Ireland, however the beliefs systems surrounding funerals have changed little, with major aspects of Irish funerals carried on the same as they have for generations.
Ireland is deep rooted in wonderful ancient traditions and belief in the supernatural. These traditions have and will be passed down to future generations. The sometimes-jovial reactions to the serious and sorrowful is a coping mechanism that allows a deep-rooted respect and reverence for past their ancestors.
When we celebrate the life of a person, we also celebrate their personality. Sometimes requests are made by the recently deceased. Usually a song, a poem or an honourable mention is customary.
Irish Wakes aren’t a tradition everywhere, but you never know. It could become so in Canada and my own Wake may help boost the cause.
