Where Did the Term Wake for a Funeral Come From

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.

Where does the word wake come from for a funeral?

Why is it called a wake? The word wake in relation to death originally meant a ‘watch’, ‘vigil’ or ‘guard’. It was used to refer to a prayer vigil, usually held late at night or overnight, where mourners would keep watch over their dead until they were buried.

Where did the custom of a wake come from?

It used to be the custom in most Celtic countries in Europe for mourners to keep watch or vigil over their dead until they were buried – this was called a “wake”. This is still common in Ireland, North-western Scotland, and in the North of England.