Friday 23/08/2024 06:00
A lecture by Ann Moylan, MA (Hons) Ethnomusicology.
Understanding the origins of our Wakes and Funeral Practices may be a key to explaining why we Irish hold our death rituals in such high regard within our communities. This lecture will explain how our ancestors would have seen death not as being instantaneous, but in fact believed that the spirit of the deceased would continue to preside over the proceedings throughout the three nights of the Wake. The Wake would not have been led by the clergy, but by the Mna Caointe (Keening Women), or the ‘Caoineadh’, who were hired as professional ‘criers’ and without them, the Wake could not take place. In stark contrast, within the same room, there was what became known as the Merry Wake which was a much-anticipated event of games, boisterous festivities and even courtship.
This 2-hour lecture will explore how, whether riotous or reverent, the Wake was an important ritual for the Irish to honour the spirit of their dead. It will be an immersive event and designed to look as if taking place at a 19th Century Irish Wake, finishing with the creation of a vocal soundscape, a modern-day Keen, as a tribute to the fascinating heritage of our ancestors.
Please note that due to mature content, this is an Adult Only event.
Places are limited. Phone 0567794176 or email loughboy@kilkennylibrary.ie to book a place.