The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

IT IS AN IRISH TRADITION TO PLACE THE CORPSE OF A DECEASED
FAMILY MEMBER IN THE CORNER OF THE ROOM DURING HIS WAKE
AND TOAST THE DEPARTED MEMBER OF THE FAMILY AND WISH HIM WELL
IN HIS DEATH. A DRINK OF IRISH WHISKEY IS ALSO PLACED IN THE
CORPSE'S DRINKING HAND SO THAT HE CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE TOAST.

Submitter comment: THE TRADITION WAS FOLLOWED IN THE RYAN FAMILY UNTIL THE DEATH
OF EDWARD RYAN (FORMER HUSBAND OF FLORENCE) IN 1979.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN

Date learned: 00-00-1946