School: Ardnagrath (roll number 5963)
- Location:
- Ardnagragh, Co. Westmeath
- Teacher: M. Ní Mhaoldhomhnaigh
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0747, Page 318
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“A few hours after death the corpse is "laid out", that means he or she is dressed in a "habit" which people have in readiness when a death is expected...”
A few hours after death the corpse is "laid out", that means he or she is dressed in a "habit" which people have in readiness when a death is expected. Stockings, gloves and a hood for the head are of the same colour as the "habit" which is generally brown. The corpse is then placed on a bed on which there is snow-white bed-linen. A table covered with a white cloth is placed beside the bed. Three candles in candlesticks are then put on the table and lighted and kept lighting night and day till the corpse is removed. On this table also is placed a small vessel containing Holy Water and a sprinkler such as a piece of palm or a small bunch of green rushes.
The neighbours come in to pay their respects to the dead and to sympathise with the relatives. Visitors go directly to the room where the corpse is and sprinkle holy water on the remains, kneel down and say prayers for the repose of the dead person's soul. Afterwards they(continues on next page)