What is a "wake" in funeral customs?

A "wake" refers to a gathering that is typically held before the funeral service, allowing family and friends to come together to pay their respects to the deceased. This occasion often includes a visitation period where attendees can view the body, share memories, and offer support to the bereaved.

This context is crucial as wakes serve as a space for emotional support and collective mourning, bridging the time between the death and the formal funeral service. The social aspect and the opportunity for loved ones to come together before the formalities of the funeral service highlight the significance of this ritual in many cultures.

In contrast, the other options do not encapsulate the essence of a wake: a ceremony after burial signifies a different type of commemorative event, a private viewing is more intimate and typically not a larger gathering, and a prayer service, while connected to funeral customs, does not focus on visitation and support as the wake does.