The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

IRISH CUSTOM

AT AN IRISH WAKE THE PEOPLE BECOME INTOXICATED TO
SUCH AN EXTENT THEY DUMP THE BODY OUT OF THE CASKET.
THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR STAYS THERE ALL OF THE TIME, SO
HE CAN FIX UP THE BODY FOR THE NEXT DAY.
THIS SHOWS THE HAPPINESS OF THE PEOPLE THAT THE SOUL
HAS GONE BACK TO GOD.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: NOT GIVEN