The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

I HAD OBSERVED THIS TRADITION FOR MANY YEARS, BUT IT
WAS TOLD TO ME BY MY INFORMANT ON A PARTICULAR OCCASION
AND WAS CONFIRMED BY MANY OTHER PEOPLE AS BEING A
REAL TRADITION.
A REAL IRISH WAKE IS ALWAYS FOLLOWED BY A BIG PARTY.
IT IS TO REPRESENT THE JOY FELT BY ALL THAT THE DEAD
PERSON HAS FINALLY LEFT THIS WORLD OF TROUBLE TO
RECEIVE HIS HEAVENLY REWARD. THERE IS ALWAYS PLENTY OF
FOOD AND DRINK TO GO ALONG WITH THE REMINISCING.

Where learned: NEW YORK CITY ; NEW YORK

Date learned: NOT GIVEN