Just about ten days ago, I drove my son Sean to Washington DC to start his college career. Sean is my one and only child plus my only employee at Celtic Rainbow, so it was with mixed emotions I said goodbye.

On the long trip back home to Maine, I couldn’t help but think about the parents of immigrants not that long ago who ever got to see their children again. The following is about “The American Wake” that was held before leaving Ireland.

Don’t forget to check out my web site: www.CelticRainbowGifts.com

“American Wake”

An “American Wake” occurred almost daily over all of Ireland for 75 years. Adult children would pay their last respects to their parents while they were still alive. A wake for the living, known to those who had one, as the "American Wake." It started in Ireland, which was the first place in the world where adult children were forced by economic and political circumstances to leave their parents and relatives, which for the vast majority, it would not only be the last time that they would see each other, but in many cases, it might be the last time that they might even hear of each other due to the vagaries of ocean travel and the uncertainty of life in a new land with little reliable communications, especially for the poverty stricken and often illiterate immigrants from Ireland.
The American Wake began at nighttime, in the house of the emigrant, and continued through the night until the early hours. The young emigrant would have previously visited friends and neighbors letting them know of the impending departure. All who were close were expected to attend.
They often were not occasions for merriment, but somber gatherings with serious conversation and advice for the young emigrant. In areas of acute poverty no refreshments were offered, but on rare occasions, a few neighbors brought a small quantity of poteen, but generally the dancing was absent.
Women noted for their ability to keen (wail or lament) would be called upon to acquaint listeners with the virtues of the emigrant and the suffering brought upon the parents by the departure. This eulogy was given in a high-pitched wail, resulting in a room full of keening women and weeping men. For when money was scarce, travel slow and perilous, illiteracy widespread, and mail service highly uncertain and destinations only vaguely perceived, the departure for North America of a relative or neighbor represented as final a parting as a descent to the grave.'
In less poverty-stricken areas, the American Wake proved itself a more festive occasion. Baking, cooking and cleaning were all part of the preparations. Neighbors frequently contributed food and a half-barrel of porter or stout was available for the men. The kitchen furniture was moved and seating was provided around the walls for neighbors and friends. Song and dance followed, only to be interrupted by offers of tea, and stronger beverages. Jibs, reels, quadrilles, hornpipes, and Irish step dancing were the order of the day. The older people seated themselves around the hearth, while the younger ones took to the floor.

Sources: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~irlker/wake.html
Back to Celtic Corner