Exploring the Unique Death Rituals and Traditions of Grenada

Grenada is home to death rituals stemming from our West African heritage. Rituals that are done after the death of a loved one are traditions that have been brought forth from our African ancestors. West African tradition holds great respect for the dead. There is the belief that the dead is united with their ancestors in the form of celebration.

Wakes

A wake is a ritualistic ceremony held on the third night following the person's death. It is based on the belief that the soul of the dead lingers around the house of the dead until relatives and friends can assemble to say farewell to the dead through prayers.

The bedroom of the deceased is prepared with fresh flowers, candles, the Crucifix and Holy Water. Prayers begin around 6pm just as the sun sets. The Rosary is the main prayer said during the Wake. Singing also occurs with hymns sung by those gathered.

There is a Chairperson who leads the prayers. The prayers can last for three hours representing the three days during which the deceased remained on earth after death.

After the prayers, refreshments are provided such as bread, fishcakes, tania log, cocoa tea, cakes, soda, wine, and rum.

Pique

A Pique is a night of drumming, dancing and signing. The intent is to console the members of the bereaved family. Dancers of the Pique dance to a special rhythm of the Big drum. In the past, songs sung were both in Patois and English, but with the decline of the Patois language in Grenada, it is now only English. Well-known Pique drummers came from the community of Tivoli: Levi Matthew and Bradshaw Panchoo. However, death is not the only event at which a Pique can be done.

Happy Hour

In recent times, there has been the growth of a Happy Hour. Happy hour occurs after the Funeral ceremony and burial and it involves the eating of food and consumption of drinks.

The Happy Hour is typically prepared by the Family and Friends of the deceased. The activity occurs close to the cemetery or in a nearby bar to the cemetery. It provides the opportunity for the living to celebrate the dead and recall memories with the dead.

Source:

When the Village was an Extended Family in Grenada by Claude Douglas.

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