Description
Book SynopsisFirst published in Irish in 1961 and in English in 1967, this classic work has never been superseded as a treatment of the fascinating subject of traditional wakes in Ireland. As well as eating, drinking, smoking a pipe and taking snuff, many other forms of entertainment were common in Irish wakes, to pass the long hours of the night or two nights of the wake. These included storytelling, singing, dancing, music, card-playing, riddling and rhyming, and feats of agility and strength both inside the wake-house and in an adjoining field before the funeral started next day. Seán Ó Súilleabháin also shows that Ireland, far from being different from other countries, was part of the general European (and world) pattern in holding prolonged and merry wakes.
Trade Review'Macabre but a fascinating exploration of the games, practical jokes and general revelry that accompanied wakes and which are now increasingly things of the past. Helpful background to Finnegans Wake, by James Joyce, which takes place at a wake and features many jokes, literary games and high-spirited hijinks.' - J. Geary -- J Geary
Table of ContentsIntroduction Wakes at Present and Long Ago Storytelling; Singing; Music and Dancing; Card Playing; Riddles; Tongue Twisters; Versifying and repetition of Jingles. Contests in Strength; Agility; Dexterity; Accuracy of Aim; Endurance and Toughness; Hardihood and Athletics. Taunting and Mocking; Booby Traps; Mischief-making; Horse-Play, Rough Games; Fights at Wakes and Funerals. Imitative Games Catch Games Games of Hide, Seek and Guessing Various Other Games The Keening of the Dead Church Opposition to Wake Abuses The Extent of Wake Abuses and Their Decline The Origin and Purpose of Wakes and Their Amusements Sources Index
