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That's interesting.

I was born and raised in Poland, a Catholic country, and we do gather after the funeral to mourn and eat together. However, apparently this custom dates back to Slavic times – this may explain the difference between our experiences.

And I'm from Italy. Perhaps it's not a religious difference, but just cultural.

In English, the social event of mourning with others often with food, drink and sometimes even song, is often called a “wake”.

The "Irish Wake" is this... but _before_ the funeral.

And Ireland is VERY Catholic.