What was the purpose of earliest wakes?

The purpose of the earliest wakes was predominantly to watch over the deceased to confirm death. In historical contexts, particularly before modern medical advancements, there was a significant uncertainty about the signs of death. A wake served a crucial function in allowing family members and community members to observe the body for any signs of life. This practice helped alleviate fears of premature burial, ensuring that the individual was truly deceased before entombment or burial took place.

While gatherings for family and friends, as well as preparing the body for burial and conducting religious services, became integral components of the wake over time, the original intent focused primarily on the watchful vigilance surrounding the deceased's state. Thus, confirming the death was the primary concern in the earliest traditions of wakes.