WAKE · VIGIL BEFORE THE FUNERAL
A wake (also called a vigil) is the keeping of watch over the deceased in the night or nights before the funeral, at home or in a chapel. Family and friends come to pay their last respects beside the open casket, with candles lit. We prepare the casket, the chapel, the candles, and everything else that is needed.
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A wake is the keeping of watch over the deceased in the night before the funeral. The casket is open, with candles burning at each of the four corners, while family and friends come to pray and say their last goodbye.
It is a moment of mourning and of respect, maintained by tradition. The wake is held at home or in a hired chapel, depending on the family's preference and available space.
A wake normally lasts one or two nights, between the death and the funeral. Tradition holds that the deceased should not be left alone — the family takes turns keeping watch, particularly through the night.
The duration depends on local custom, the day of the funeral, and how long relatives travelling from elsewhere need to arrive. A mortuary cold store allows the wake to be extended when necessary.
The wake can be held at home, in a room prepared for the purpose, or at a funeral chapel. Each option has its advantages:
Preparations follow tradition and are arranged for the comfort of those keeping watch:
The wake follows customs preserved by tradition. Psalms or prayers are read, candles are kept burning, and a calm atmosphere of quiet reflection is maintained.
Visitors bring flowers and candles, bow before the casket, and offer condolences to the family. Noise and levity are avoided; the wake remains a sober occasion.
We prepare everything that the wake requires, so the family can focus on grieving:
A home wake preserves tradition and is more personal, but requires space and transforms the home for several days. A chapel is more practical when many visitors are expected.
We advise on what fits your situation — family size, expected number of visitors, and available space. See also hiring a chapel.
Tell us where you want the wake and which traditions to observe, and we prepare everything — casket, chapel, candles, flowers, and the refreshment table.
We answer day and night. For a no-obligation conversation, call us or see our page on full ceremony arrangements.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
A wake (or vigil) is the keeping of watch over the deceased in the night before the funeral, beside the open casket with candles lit. Family and friends come to pray and say goodbye.
Usually one or two nights, between the death and the funeral. The length depends on local custom and how long relatives travelling from elsewhere need.
At home, at a funeral chapel, or at the cemetery chapel. Home is more personal; a chapel is more practical when many visitors are expected.
The casket with the deceased laid out, candles at each corner, a vigil lamp, an icon, a veil, flowers, and seating. On request, a table with bread rolls, boiled wheat, and drinks for visitors.
Candles symbolise light and prayer for the deceased. They are lit at each of the four corners of the casket and kept burning throughout the vigil.
Tradition holds that the deceased should not be left alone. The family takes turns through the night, reading prayers and keeping the candles burning.
Usually the Psalms or prayer books. At some wakes the priest comes for a short prayer service; otherwise a family member or a reader leads.
Flowers, candles, and sometimes a small gift for distribution to the poor (pomană). Visitors bow before the casket and offer condolences to the family.
By tradition, yes. A table is laid with bread rolls, boiled wheat, coffee, and drinks for those keeping watch and for visitors. The atmosphere remains sober.
It depends on available space and expected visitors. Home is more personal; a chapel is more practical and does not transform the family home. We advise on what fits.
It depends on the location (home or chapel), the duration, and what is included — flowers, refreshment table, accessories. We give a clear quote in advance, with no hidden costs.
Yes. A wake before cremation follows the same arrangements as before a burial. The tradition of keeping vigil is the same, whichever option is chosen.
It depends on the number of visitors. A typical chapel holds several dozen people. We help you choose a chapel suited to the number you expect.
We do. We lay out the deceased, position the casket on its stand, light the candles, and arrange the flowers, icon, and veil according to tradition.
Yes. A single night's wake is common when the funeral takes place the next day. The length is decided by the family, in keeping with custom and scheduling.
We prepare the casket, chapel, candles, flowers, and refreshment table, and coordinate with the priest. The family tells us what they want; we take care of the rest.
In many regions, yes. Covering mirrors is a custom observed during the mourning period. The practice varies from one region to another.
The family chooses the outfit — usually sober and neat: a suit or a dress. We dress the deceased in the chosen clothes during the preparation.
A wake is open — family, neighbours, colleagues, and friends are all welcome. Visitors bow before the casket, light a candle, and offer condolences.
Usually a short while — they come, bow, light a candle, and spend a few minutes with the family. Those closest may stay longer, especially overnight for the vigil.
In the evening, the priest may come for a short prayer service (sometimes called stâlpi in some regions). At other times, a family member or a reader reads from the Psalms.
Not usually. A wake is a time of quiet reflection and mourning, not an occasion for photographs. Tradition calls for discretion and respect.
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