Historically, what does a wake refer to?

Historically, a wake refers to an all-night vigil kept over the deceased. This practice originates from the traditions surrounding death and mourning in various cultures, where relatives and friends would gather to honor and remember the departed. The vigil would typically involve watching over the body, often accompanied by prayers, storytelling, or sharing memories. This gathering allowed mourners to pay their respects and engage in communal grieving, reflecting the importance of community support during times of loss.

While other options describe modern funeral practices or gatherings associated with death, they do not capture the historical essence of a wake, which was specifically about the extended period of watching over the deceased as an integral part of the mourning process.