School: Druim Míleadh (roll number 14898)

On this page

1. Wakes (continued)

   

   Share Share Post

   (continued from previous page)

   He found that ten twelve and fifteen gallons of whiskey were a common order whilst in some instances as much as eighteen gallons were consumed. These figures would pertain to a period anterior to the great war, say thirty years ago.
   On the night of the wake the relatives were told off for certain work. One reliable man was left in charge of the liquid refreshment. Another cut the tobacco filled the pipes and distributed them. This is the spot where most youngsters got their first introduction to the goddess nicotine. It was generally a painful and unforgettable experience as the tobacco was strong and there was an unlimited supply. Also, part of the sport of the night was to watch the initiation process, the first few deep rapturous whiffs, the swelling importance of the youngster recognising himself to be the cynosure of all eyes, then the glazed eye of the drug addict, the white wan sea green complexion, vomiting and drink of cold water and afterwards extinction and a visit to the back yard to breathe god's pure air and see the wise old face of the moon through tears of travail and regret.

   (continues on next page)

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Topics

   1. activities
      1. social activities (~7)
         1. rites of passage (~573)
            1. death (~1,076)

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Albert King

   Gender

   Male