The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE PEOPLE OF IRELAND ARE KNOWN FOR SOME UNUSUAL
DEATH CUSTOMS. JUST BEFORE A BURIAL THE BODY OF THE
DECEASED WOULD BE LAID OUT IN HIS BEDROOM. EACH
PERSON VISITING HIM WOULD REMARK: "THE ONLY HARM
HE EVER DID IN HIS LIFE WAS TO HIMSELF; HE WAS A
GOOD MAN." FROM THERE THEY WOULD PROCEED TO THE
KITCHEN WHERE A TABLE FULL OF FOOD AND DRINK WAS
SET UP. THEY PROCEEDED TO EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY
BEFORE THE ACTUAL BURIAL.

Submitter comment: FROM MY PARENT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; IRELAND

Date learned: 09-20-1969