During which historical period did the practice of waking the dead as an act of piety become prevalent?

The practice of waking the dead as an act of piety became particularly prevalent during the Middle Ages. During this period, there was a strong belief in the afterlife and the importance of honoring the dead. This often involved rituals aimed at ensuring that the deceased had a successful transition to the other world, as well as caring for their spiritual well-being.

In the Middle Ages, the concept of death was often surrounded by religious significance, and the waking of the dead served as a way to pay one last tribute before burial. It reflected deeper fears associated with death, particularly concerning the possibility of premature burial or the notion of the spirit needing assistance to find peace. Families would often keep vigil over the deceased, which aligned with the era's customs and beliefs about death and the afterlife.

The other historical periods mentioned had different cultural connotations regarding death and funeral practices. For instance, ancient Rome had distinct burial practices that focused on honoring ancestors but did not necessarily emphasize waking the dead. The Renaissance marked a shift towards humanism and individualism, affecting views on death and funerals, while the Victorian Era had its own unique practices surrounding mourning and remembrance, including elaborate funerals but less focus specifically on waking the dead in a communal or ritualistic sense.