What is a Funeral Wake?

A funeral wake, which is more commonly known as just a wake, is a gathering of friends, family, acquaintances, and loved ones in order to share in mourning over the loss of a loved one. Wakes are a religious practice that is particularly common in Catholicism. While other faiths have wakes, they are by no means universal. Furthermore, the terms “wake” and “visitation” are often used interchangeably, but a visitation is more of a public event, while a wake is usually reserved for family and intimate friends.

Wakes are most often held before a formal funeral service and, depending on several factors, may take place at a family home, funeral home, or somewhere else — these are all preferences and decisions left to the family of the deceased.

The term “wake” references a vigil, which was traditionally a time when family members would watch over the body until it was interred to protect them from evil spirits. In modern times, a wake is more of a social gathering where people can mingle, reminisce about the deceased, share stories, and offer each other comfort. Wakes are typically less casual than the funeral and may be attended by many more people than those who attend the funeral.

At The Gardens at Boca Raton, we are proud to help grieving families plan a wake that is fitting for honoring their lost loved ones. Keep in mind that the type of wake a family has is very specific to many factors like family history, cultural and religious beliefs, and traditions. Some wakes will have a visitation, which is where people are able to view the body, and some won’t. Some wakes are filled with revelry, food, drink, laughter, tears, and celebration, while others are more somber occasions where prayers and readings are shared, and others may be very informal gatherings where people will come together to process the difficult news.

If you aren’t sure about the type of memorial service you would like to hold, be sure to contact the team at The Gardens to discuss your options and get a better idea of what might work best for you and your family.

Wakes vs. Funeral Services: Understanding the Differences

Wakes and funerals are two separate events that commonly take place after a death. A wake is often seen as much more informal and may include music, dance, food, drink, and casual social interactions when people come together to share memories and stories about the deceased and provide each other with support. A wake might take place at a family home or a funeral home, and depending on the family’s preferences, there may be an opportunity to view the deceased.

Funerals are typically much more formal and procedural than wakes. They typically have a structured program that may include prayers and readings, eulogies, and maybe a religious service or ceremony. Food and drink are not common at funerals, although there may be a repass after the funeral where mourners can gather over a light meal and decompress from the day.

A funeral is a ceremony that typically precedes an interment or cremation, although this may not always be the case, depending on family preferences, religious requirements, or traditions.

Much like wakes, funerals can take place at any number of different locations, most often in funeral homes or religious locations. Families may opt to have a funeral on their property, but this is much less common in the modern world.

As we’ve mentioned, a wake is often an opportunity for mourners to visit and sit with the body if the family decides to put it on display. Some wakes may have grand decorations with many flowers surrounding the open casket, while others may be austere rooms with little or no decoration. This is, like nearly everything else, up to the family who is hosting the wake.

Emotions are high at both wakes and funerals, and there is no rule or guideline that says you must hold onto your feelings more tightly at a wake or funeral. Both of these events are opportunities for mourners to pay their respects, remember the deceased, and share in their grief with the other friends and family members who have come to process their loss.

Cultural Perspectives on Wakes: Customs and Practices Around the World

A wake will look different for every family, often dictated by cultural and/or geographical differences. Here are just a few of the many different ways that cultures have wakes around the world:

Ireland

The Irish wake usually takes place in the deceased’s home or in the home of another close family member, where family and friends will gather to mourn and remember their loved one. There is usually food, drinks, music, and storytelling. Irish wakes are often of a celebratory nature, where those gathering can celebrate the life of their loved one, cherish the memories they shared, and give them a great sendoff from this world.

Philippines

Filipino wakes may go on for several days or a week when families gather to pray, eat, and play games while they celebrate and remember their loved ones. Filipinos often play card games at wakes, which are great ways for people to come together and connect, and since it is believed that there should always be someone awake to keep evil spirits away, card games are a great way for people to pass the time as they hold their vigil.

Italy

The Italians often hold a wake at the home of the deceased or at their family church, where they gather to pray and comfort each other in this difficult time of loss. As with many other traditions, the body is often present in an Italian wake, but the coffin may be closed or open depending on family preferences.

Jamaica

The Nine Night is a wake held by Jamaicans nine nights after the death, and is much like an Irish wake in that it is characterized by a lot of celebration, dancing, drinks, food, and music. This celebration is when the Jamaicans believe the spirit is set free and can move on, so throwing a fitting party is an important way to say goodbye to their loved ones.

Haiti

The Haitian culture often requires a repass after the funeral. This is a social gathering that’s held after the funeral or memorial. Family and friends of the deceased come together to help each other comfort each other during a difficult time. Other cultures have similar traditions but repass or repast is usually a term reserved for the Haitian community.

Contact The Gardens at Boca Raton To Plan a Wake Today

We understand how complicated it can be to keep track of all of the different logistics that come with planning an end-of-life ceremony and celebration. Contact our team right away to get started on a wake that suits your loved one and sends them off with the honor and love they deserve.