The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE IRISH WAILER

MY UNCLE JOHN CARROLL CAME FROM IRELAND WHERE HE HAD BEEN A
PROFESSIONAL WAILER (A PERSON WHO IS HIRED TO CRY AT FUNERALS).
HE CONTINUED HIS WAILING TRADITIONS AT THE IRISH FUNERALS IN
SPRINGFIELD, OHIO. HIS SISTER, MY MOTHER NORA, AT THE FUNERAL
OF MY AUNT MARY SAID, "JOHNNY IF YOU DARE DO ANY OF THAT WAILING
AT THIS FUNERAL, I'LL BREAK YOUR NECK." HE WASN'T THE FIGHTING
TYPE SO HE JUST PUT ON A SAD FACE AND WALKED AWAY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 00-00-1913