Ceremonies and Rituals : Death

The Ceremony - Death

 Banshee and death omen

The mourning wail across the town or bogland, warning of the imminent death of a neighbour.  Usually warning of the passing of a member of a family whose name begins with an O' or Mac.  Often seen as a women in long black or grey cloak and long white hair.  Out at night, if the figure is seen, run for your life... for the banshee may claim you as well for seeing her.  The banshee can also shapeshift into an animal.  Many Irish families have an animal that portends the death of a member... a hare, a fox or maybe a bird, an owl or a raven perhaps.

Drowning -

Many have heard the call of the river, either as suicides or accidental deaths, and drowned.  Some say that the River will require a certain number of deaths each year.  According to one source it is at least three, another may say seven or another that it will claim nine deaths a year. 

Sky Burial -

Indian Burial-Ground taken from 'American Pictures drawn with Pen and Pencil' by Rev. Samuel Manning

We have no direct information on how this took place by the Boyne. 

Cremation -

 Food for the Dead

At easter small buns with dried fruit would be cooked, a cross cut on the top.  Bread baked at this time might be kept all year for good luck.  Similar small cakes would be put in the coffin with the deceased.

 Food for the Living

Page last updated: 8th Mar 2010