What food is served at an Irish wake?

Even though death is a sad occasion, a traditional Irish wake is a celebratory gathering. Friends and family share memories and funny stories as well as food and drink. The food served includes tea and sandwiches, and typically a wake cake, which resembles something between a pound cake and a cheesecake.

What do the Irish do when someone dies?

Funeral Traditions from Ireland – Stopping Clocks, Opening Windows and Covering Mirrors. Stopping clocks, opening windows and covering mirrors are all part of the Irish Wake tradition, and similar rituals can be found in other cultures around the world. All clocks are stopped at the time of death.

How do the Irish mourn?

Each person is allowed to grieve by spending the last few minutes of the dead body. They either recite prayers or say goodbye for the last time. After that, they get out of the room and share a drink with the rest of visitors. That is how the celebration takes place.

Do people bring food to a wake?

A wake may last a few hours, or the deceased’s family may welcome mourners to their home over the course of a few days prior to the funeral. Bring edible gifts like casseroles, sandwiches, baked goods, or fruit baskets so the family doesn’t have to worry about food. They may even share it with guests.

What do you say at an Irish wake?

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”

Why do Irish cover mirrors after death?

The Irish wake is a well-known funeral tradition where the family of the deceased covers all mirrors in the home. To hide the physical body from the soul, the family turns mirrors to face the wall. They cover mirrors with black material to ease the deceased’s journey into the afterlife.

What does an Irish wake?

Irish wakes are a celebration of life – one last party to honor the deceased. The name “wake” originated because unknown diseases had plagued the countryside causing some to appear dead. As the family began to mourn, they would awaken. For this reason, the body is waked in the deceased’s home for at least one night.

What do you serve at a wake?

GALLERY OF POPULAR FUNERAL FOOD ITEMS

• Baked Ziti or Similar Pasta Dishes. Baked pasta is always a crowd pleaser.
• Potato Casseroles. Potato casseroles have a long tradition as a comfort food.
• Sandwich Trays.
• Deviled Eggs.
• Salads.
• Meatballs.
• Meat/Cheese Trays.
• Fruit/Vegetable Trays.

Do you wear black to a wake?

Do you have to wear all black to a wake? No, you do not. Your clothing can be darker colors such as blue or grey. Earth tones and neutral tones are acceptable as well.

What is an Irish Hello?

The most common way of saying hello in Irish is Dia dhuit, pronounced, jee-ah-gwitch. You might also hear it pronounced as jee-ah-gwit or. jee-ah ditch. If you are saying hello in Irish to more than one person then you would use, Dia Daoibh which is pronounced jee-uh dee-uv or jee-uh dee-iv.

What do you call an Irish lady?

[ ahy-rish-woom-uhn ] SHOW IPA. / ˈaɪ rɪʃˌwʊm ən / PHONETIC RESPELLING. noun, plural I·rish·wom·en. a woman born in Ireland or of Irish ancestry.

What happens at a traditional Irish wake?

Wakes lasted through two or three nights. Food, tobacco, snuff, and liquor were plentiful. Out in the countryside, the liquor served consisted of whiskey or poteen, which is a very potent and illegal Irish homemade brew. Laughter and singing, as well as crying, filled the air as mourners shared humorous stories involving the deceased.

What did they drink in the Irish wake?

Wakes lasted through two or three nights. Food, tobacco, snuff, and liquor were plentiful. Out in the countryside, the liquor served consisted of whiskey or poteen, which is a very potent and illegal Irish homemade brew.

What is Irish wake cake?

Irish wake cake is a traditional recipe that uses cream cheese and dried fruits to give it a rich texture and delicious taste. Although traditional Irish wakes are becoming less common in Ireland, wake cake can still be a slice of home-baked comfort during times of grief.

What do you wear to an Irish wake?

For an Irish wake, it’s traditional to wear black. Because these funerals can be multi-day affairs, you’ll wear black to the home wake, funeral mass, and burial. For the mass, in particular, it’s important to dress conservatively. In some parts of Ireland and the western world, black is becoming less of a requirement.