From which culture did the practice of the wake originate?

The practice of the wake primarily originates from the Hebrew culture. In ancient Hebrew traditions, the wake served as a communal event where family and friends gathered to mourn and honor the deceased. This practice involved holding the body in the home and keeping vigil, allowing mourners to express their grief and provide support to one another. The Hebrew concept of mourning includes significant practices surrounding death, such as sitting shiva, which reinforces the importance of community in the grieving process.

While other cultures, such as the Greeks and Romans, have their own mourning and remembrance rituals, the specific tradition of the wake, characterized by its communal gathering and emphasis on mourning, has its strongest roots in Hebrew customs. This is reflective of their views on death, communal support, and the rituals surrounding the passing of loved ones.