What is a wake?

A wake is a gathering held after a person's death, usually before the funeral or memorial service. It serves as a time for family and friends to mourn, celebrate the deceased's life, and offer support to one another.

Historically, wakes involved keeping watch over the body to ensure the person was truly dead, but now they're more about remembrance and grief%20support.

Wakes can range from formal gatherings at a funeral home to informal, casual events at the deceased's home or another location. Food and drinks are often served. Activities can include sharing memories, telling stories, looking at photos, and sometimes even playing music. It's a time for socializing and connecting with others who are also grieving.

The atmosphere is typically more relaxed than a formal funeral service. There is often a religious%20element, depending on the family's beliefs, but wakes can also be secular.