Funeral Service Practice Exam

What is the term for the practice where family and friends sit with the deceased for three days?

1. Funeral

2. Wake

3. Viewing

4. Mourning

The correct answer is: Wake

The correct term for the practice where family and friends gather to sit with the deceased for three days is known as a wake. Traditionally, a wake serves not only as a time for mourning but also as an opportunity for the community to come together, remember the deceased, and provide support to the grieving family. This practice is rooted in various cultural and religious traditions and often involves vigil-like activities during which relatives and friends can pay their respects. In contrast, a funeral typically refers to the formal ceremony held to honor the deceased, which includes various rituals and may take place after the wake. Viewing refers to the specific time when attendees can come to see the deceased, often occurring during the wake period or right before the funeral. Mourning describes the emotional response and outward expressions of grief that follow the death of a loved one but does not specifically refer to the gathering itself. Thus, the wake captures the communal aspect of honoring the deceased over an extended period, which is integral to the grieving process.