School: Druim Míleadh (roll number 14898)
- Location:
- Drumeela, Co. Leitrim
- Teacher: Ailbeard Mac an Ríogh
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0229, Page 166
Image and data © National Folklore Collection, UCD.
See copyright details.
DownloadOpen data
Available under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
- XML School: Druim Míleadh
- XML Page 166
- XML “Wakes”
Note: We will soon deprecate our XML Application Programming Interface and a new, comprehensive JSON API will be made available. Keep an eye on our website for further details.
On this page
- (continued from previous page)The process of preparing the corpse for the shroud i.e. washing and shaving and shrouding was generally done by a local experienced man or woman. A stiff glass of whiskey was the usual preliminary to such an unpleasing operation. In order that the eyes of the corpse would remain closed pennies are placed on the eyes and the arranging of the corpse must be carried out before rigor mortis sets in.
The matter of casking and attendance was generally left to the women folk and a huge turf fire was kept going during the night. As this was often the sole occasion when the many scattered relatives had an opportunity of meeting, often times a wake had the pleasant appearance and air of a happy family reunion.
Generally a wake was the rendezvous of every wanderer and stroller of the countryside. He came for a night's discussion and all were welcome. Each visitor as he entered was directed to the door of the death chamber. There, with hat in hand, he dropped to his knees and said a short prayer for the repose of the soul of the deceased. Then as he arose he condoled with each relative.(continues on next page)
- Collector
- Albert King
- Gender
- Male
