Funeral customs in Tiree.

Original Track ID

SA1970.103

Original Tape ID

SA1970.103

Summary

Funeral customs in Tiree.

Whisky used to be drunk at the burial ground. It would be relatives of the deceased that would dig the grave. This is still [1970] done at the older cemetery. It would not be the closest relatives or friends that would do it, but neighbours and cousins. Three or four rounds of whisky would be drunk at the cemetery, but this custom has died out.

When the contributor was young, wakes were still held for the dead. People would sit with the dead all night long. They would not have a lamplight, but would use candles in brass candlesticks. Neighbours and relatives would sit by the fire and they would take turns to sit by the body in twos and threes. This custom is no longer practised. A saucer of salt would be put on the body if the weather was hot in order to stop it from swelling up. Sometimes a jug of water would be put by the body, but the contributor does not know the reason for this.

Item Location

Language

English

Genre

Information

Collection

SoSS

Source Type

Reel to reel

Audio Quality

Good