A question about a wake....

Question

Do you have to stay for the whole thing? From beginning to end?

Answer 1

If you are asking about the viewing/service when someone passes away, it all depends on how close you were to the person or family.

Some people do and some do not.  It is not written in stone.  Usually you walk in and sign the guest book, say hello to whoever you may recognize, stand in line to approach the casket where the deceased is, and when you reach the person who has passed - that is usually where the immediate family will be.  Greet them and offer your condolences.  Then approach the departed, kneel OR stand, say a prayer to yourself and move aside.  

After everyone has done this and it is towards the end of the "calling hours",  the priest or funeral director will say some prayers and words.  This is what a lot of people like to stay for.   But it is not a rule.  The important thing is that you went.

Prayers be with you.

Answer 2

No not neccessarily, a wake is for he viewing of the person deceased. So when u go, just view the body stay as long as u like and leave when u feel comfortable.  

Answer 3

The viewing: No you do not need to say for the whole thing,  The service, Yes you do need to stay*

Answer 4

nope....to say goodbye to that person's spirit is why you go....and that should never have a schedule.......you leave when you feel you have said your goodbye.