A Country funeral... what do I wear?

The funeral was in NW.

In North Sligo. Close to Donegal and Leitrim. Very rural area, lovely scenery, stunning in fact.

My OH's uncle had passed away. His Godfather too.

The area is farming country. The house where the wake was held is in deep countryside, only one other house down the hill. There is a village about half a mile away, pub, church, shop/post office, that's it. The church there, was where the funeral was held.

So on the day of the wake we arrived at eleven in the morning. The hearse arrived with uncle J at twelve. We waited outside (weather was great), until everything was sorted in the parlour, and in we went to see him. There were candles, and holy pictures.

What I thought was lovely was there were pictures of his life from childhood to adulthood all around the room, and even one of him placed in the coffin. It was weird to see a coffin in the parlour, but after a while it became normal. I cannot explain it, but he was there, and everyone else in the family was there and it was as if he was still alive, but he wasn't, he was dead, in the coffin, in the same room. And talk and laughter and greeting visitors went on all day,

Anyway, the time was for the family until 4pm, then the house was open to all. My god, did they arrive!

There was a book of condolence, and the family and OH had a look that night, ten names to a page, and 30 pages to a book, there were 5 books. That makes about 1,500 people calling over the course of the day and night. Wow.

And it was a "dry wake" tea and food by the bucketload for the visitors and the house was open all night. But not a drop of alcohol.

We left at 11pm, but the sons and daughters took turns to wake him, and keep vigil all night.

The women of the parish kept food and tea going all day and all night. Amazing.

There were a few farmers in their lovely gear alright, very respectful too.

I had great conversations with the local farmers who were very worried about when they would let the cattle "out", and the frost at night was stopping the grass growing for the silage later, as 5 degrees was needed to get the grass growing, and that wasn't happening at the time! The mart up above was mentioned too.

Now we were there from 11 until 11pm. And I have to say I met the most interesting people. They were so interested in me because I was from the Smoke.

Anyway, my attire was respectful, and it was just right, judging by what everyone else wore. No red!

I have more to add about the wake and the funeral, all funny though. I am wrecked after it all, so maybe later.