Beochaoineadh

From Irish beo ("living") and caoineadh ("keening" or "lament"), rooted in the Gaelic oral tradition of mourning poetry known as keening. The practice became especially poignant during the mass emigrations of the 18th and 19th centuries, when Irish communities held "American wakes" — funeral-like gatherings for those departing for the New World who were unlikely ever to return.