The Wake (‘Lamay’) and the Filipinos Sense of Bayanihan

Posted on: Apr 5, 2019 Publish By: funerallink

The Philippines probably has the most peculiar way of saying our goodbye to the departed through the wake or lamay/paglalamay. Every Filipino funeral is not complete without a wake.

Wikipedia defines wake as “a vigil that typically lasts for three to seven nights, but may last longer if the bereaved family is waiting for a relation traveling from afar.”

It is advantageous to invest in a prepaid funeral plan. Based in a Funerallink post for the cheapest funeral package in a Residential Viewing, these are the inclusions:

Find the details here.

While the package inclusions mentioned above is off the shoulders of the bereaved, one less load to think about for such a stressful part of grief, the expenses during the wake aren’t. This is when the Filipino’s spirit of Bayanihan comes in.

funeral service in the Philippines, funeral home in the Philippines, pre-paid funeral service in the philippines

Learn more about Why Pre-paying for a funeral service in the Philippines is good especially for your family here.

Friends and visitors come during the course of the wake and provide food usually crackers and sandwiches, and drinks like coffee and juice packets. A neighbor will get the candles covered. Some will provide tents and chairs. Some bring game cards for gambling, mahjong is always present as well. If the family permits, a videoke bar is also brought in. Yes, only in us Filipinos.

The wake is 24/7. It is a superstitious belief not to leave the dead body alone, never. So, families, friends, and visitors take turns in staying awake to oversee the vigil. Bayanihan – the bereaved is never alone.

While the wake is an important time to reminisce, see familiar faces once again, it is also a big out of pocket expense. Monetary donations called abuloy is a big help.

Technology has made abuloy giving easy as well for those who are across the globe and needed to somehow send their thoughts and love.

I have never seen a wake and funeral as memorable as the ones in the Philippines. We are a weird bunch when it comes to the wakes, so much laughter and singing. Filipinos are one of the happiest people and that happiness is also felt during sad times. We give. We support. We smile and laugh.

It may be hum and whispers when we view the coffin and extend our condolences to the family, it is quite the opposite under the tents and outside. After the daily novena (for Catholics), the wake is never quiet. It is a celebration of the life of the dead.

Read more about Food and Grieving in the Philippines here.

Related posts

funerallink blogs

Tales of Reincarnation – Life After Death

As cliche as it may sound, death is an inevitable…

READ MORE
Date: March 1, 2020POSTED By: Funerallinks
funerallink blogs

5 Top-rated Funeral Homes in Cebu City

Choosing the right funeral home for our loved ones can…

READ MORE
Date: November 4, 2018POSTED By: Funerallinks
funerallink blogs

5 Things You Can Do To Help You Heal From A Loss

"Grief is not a disorder, a disease or a sign…

READ MORE
Date: August 26, 2021POSTED By: Funerallinks
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap