Why do they call the after service of a funeral 'wake'?
491912
It gives the dead a person a chance to wake up, just in case they aren't really dead. Historically (when medical knowledge was less developed) there was a fear of misjudging someone as dead and inadvertendly burying them alive.\n\nAn Irish song called Finnegan's Wake plays on this idea where the guy does wake up when hit with a bucket of beer or jug of whiskey.
1104223
They symbolize the spirit of dead people. If they come into your house or land on you it means that a relative has died, or has come to visit you.
596578
It really depends on the family. The funeral could happen as soon as the next few days. If family lives farther away, it could be put off for 5-6 days. Funerals usually aren't later than a week after death.
717837
Having respect for people that we love. Also respect for people that can not protect themselves. How would you feel if someone close to you had passed and their remains not respected? I'm sure you would be concerned as well. Are you aware that in a mortuary that from beginning to end the up most respect is used for the deceased?
436387
its a custom that was practiced in the late 1800s at funerals. instead of sewing the eyelids shut like we do today they put pennies on them to hold them down.
330875
Since you're at a loss for words, it appears you are attending to give your condolences to a friend.  Funerals in and of themselves serve as a last chance to say goodbye to someone we've lost on this earth and show support and concern for those who've been left behind during their loss.  To know that you're there is usually the kindest gesture you can make to those family members and if you're uncertain as to what to say it's best to keep it simple.  Offer your condolences, your assistance if they should need it and just let the moment occur.  I've learned, however, that a card or a brief note sent a couple of weeks afterwards will mean much more than you know as this is the most difficult time of adjustment after all the arrangements have been made and visits are over.  Just feel good that you're going, God will handle the rest.  You're a blessing.
23249
Well, since "post mortem" means "after death" the plural would have to mean "after deaths." I'm a little confused, but thinking either reincarnation, or cats. Either way, the plural would be "post mortes."\n"Mortem" is the accusative case of "mors," which is the Latin word for "death." The accusative case in this context is used because it marks a passage of time (AFTER death), even though normally it's used to mark the direct object of a verb or - in this case - the object of a preposition. "Mortes" is simply the plural of "mortem."
559338
Sounds a little fishy to me, however, if it is a close relative or someone they really cared about they might realize that person would be gone forever, and needed that time to deal with the reality of it all.  When my sister died I didn't want to leave her side at the funeral home because I had lost my best friend, and I was so distraught I wanted to be near her as long as possible.
877231
That would be called a Gavel.  The use for it is supposed to be calling to order, ending a session and restoration of order in the courtroom.
875261
It is not inappropriate; just remember that the funeral is about the deceased, not about you and what you are wearing.
418557
It depends. The funeral can be a "closed casket" if the family requests it or if person died from a trauma that resulted in disfiguration or if there is a lot of deterioration.
1033565
I think that's a Jewish practice.  When a family member or friend dies, they cover all of the mirrors so that they only think about the deceased and not worry about looking at themselves in the mirror.  I think that's right.  Every religion has different ways to behave when someone dies.
815715
If het dared to make a commotion at my son's funeral. My mates and I would put them in hospital before the police could get them.\nThen they could re-think their views in bed for a few weeks.
367930
Those are old, old traditions for the death of a family member, like telling the bees & putting crepe ribbons (mourning ribbons) on a beehive, too. You cover the mirrors to keep the spirit from jumping somewhere else. You stop the clocks at the time of death so you won't have bad luck. Some of those traditions have their roots in Jewish traditions, others I'm not so sure of, mostly they are observed deep in the South.
441527
It's a very old tradition from times when people traveled by foot and most people were farmers.  News traveled slowly and this gave people time to hear the news, then wait until the crops were in to go visit the dead.  \nIt was also a sign of wealth, as one has to pay the temple to leave someone there.\nThey still wait several days (even months).  Part of it might be that ensures you don't cremate someone who is still alive.
250139
I would say that the Christian funeral. Don't think it matters about denomination. Best funerals are the ones it is almost a celebration, know it doesn't sound right but think about it. The person's life is celebrated and there is happiness in the pain because the people know that the person has gone to heaven and is happy there. I have been to a few of these and it is alot more pleasant then others. These services have church songs that the person liked, talks from people that really cared. There is still crying and mourning but there is a sense of hope and happiness. This is far better to other funerals where it is impersonal (traditional) and excessive mourning with no celebration of the person's life.
736672
Definitely, go to the wake, which you can leave if you get uncomfortable.   If possible, also go to the funeral.  You may get a hint from your boss about that when you go to the wake.   \n\nBelieve me, it is the physical presence of people, whether acquaintances, friends, or family that stays in a grieving person's heart.