My family is from the parish of Lavey in Northern Ireland. My father died at home about six years ago, surrounded by close family. Before he died, rosary beads and a 'blessed candle' were placed in his hands. Another candle was by his bedside. After he died, everyone in the house gathered in the room and said a rosary and paid their respects.
The responsibility for organising the funeral falls on the oldest son. The local undertaker arrived within an hour and took the body away. Dad was dressed in his best suit, a charcoal single-breasted suit with a fine pinstripe. The coffin was returned within a couple of hours and was installed in the front room by an open window, ready for the wake. The body was never left alone - this would be disrespectful. The wake generally lasts for two nights, and the body is buried on the third day after death.
Sean McPeake, 31. Architect, Sydney.
Copyright © Australian Museum,
2008
