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A particular word for after death get together?

English Language & Usage Asked by Mr.Bhanushali on April 8, 2021

In my native language (Gujarati) there is a special word for a get together held after someone’s death, i.e. બેસણુ – “besnu”, typically held between the 2nd to 4th day after death. Is there any word with the same meaning in English?

7 Answers

In the US, we have a "memorial service" that occurs after death and sometimes instead of a funeral. For example, if the deceased is cremated, instead of a funeral service that includes an automobile processional to the cemetery, a memorial service may be scheduled where the family and friends can gather to honor the deceased. It can be very formal with a religious service and music, or just a eulogy and pictures or slideshow of images of the deceased. The memorial service may or may not include a luncheon afterwards.

Correct answer by Kristina Lopez on April 8, 2021

I would call this a wake, which is the get-together held after a funeral.

Different cultures have different customs: in the UK it can actually be difficult to arrange a funeral, with the result that there may be a space of as much as three weeks or more between the death and the service. The wake is invariably after the funeral.

Wake does also refer to "A watch or vigil held beside the body of someone who has died, sometimes accompanied by ritual observances," [Oxford] but as religious observances become less common, this meaning is becoming less common too. Even if a death is accompanied by such a vigil, the get-together after the funeral is also a wake.

Answered by Andrew Leach on April 8, 2021

I agree with those indicating a Wake is the English word that would most closely resemble the description of a get together after someone has died. And, people did fear that their loved ones could be buried alive, well, because it did happen. The trend of staying with the body of the deceased for a 2-3 day period grew out of this hysteria. It was assumed if the person did not wake within 3 days, they were indeed dead. Modern science has negated the need for this 3 day waiting and watching. But a Wake is also about celebrating the life of the deceased. Telling stories of their accomplishments and family.

Answered by CateW on April 8, 2021

There is not an exact word which means the same, as different cultures deal with death differently. There are three concepts (two of which were already presented) which comes close.

A Wake is a service, which is typically held. BEFORE the funeral. This is not exactly what you're looking for. This is an informal gathering, where friends and families interact and reminisce. The body is usually laid out for viewing.

A memorial service is often held in place of a funeral, especially when the funeral was held in one area and the departed is from another area or the body is not available for burial. This is a formal event, with little interaction of the attendees.

A bereavement dinner or funeral dinner, is a meal for the attendees of a funeral, typically held after the funeral. It is a time for friends and family to gather, remember the departed and console each other. Of the three related terms, this one is closest in concept to "besnu", since it is after the funeral, allows informal interaction of the attendees (hinted to in the phrase 'get together.'

Answered by Andrew Neely on April 8, 2021

Deferring on culture in reference to term or word. You can call it a "REPASS". Although this is in the Black American community. It can be used just to identify the get together of loved ones following the actual ceremony or memorial service.

Answered by Dom on April 8, 2021

In my native language (Gujarati) there is a special word for a get together held after someone's death, i.e. બેસણુ - "besnu", typically held between the 2nd to 4th day after death. Is there any word with the same meaning in English?

condolence meet (शोक सभा)

Answered by Jatin Dave on April 8, 2021

At "Besnu" traditionally friends, family and well wishers come together at the house or a common place in village/town/city. Besnu word comes from sitting down.

Perfect english word as mentioned in thread above is memorial service. I often use the word "Prayer meet to honor the deceased".

Answered by user395665 on April 8, 2021

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