John Wesley in Rathcormack - 31 May, 1750

from The Journal of John Wesley, page 190:

I rode to Rathcormuck. There being a great burying in the afternoon to which people came from all parts, Mr. Lloyd read part of the burial service in the church; after which I preached on "The end of all things is at hand." I was exceedingly shocked at (what I had only heard of before) the Irish howl which followed. It was not a song, as I supposed, but a dismal, inarticulate yell, set up at the grave by four shrill-voiced women who (we understood) were hired for that purpose. But I saw not one that shed a tear; for that, it seems, was not in their bargain.
cite as

John Wesley, and Percy Livingstone Parker (ed.), The Journal of John Wesley (1951), p. 190. https://led.kmi.open.ac.uk/entity/lexp/1435058684033 accessed: 28 November, 2024

location of experience: Rathcormack

Listeners

John Wesley
Cleric, Theologian, Writer
1703-1791

Listening to

hide composers
Keening song performed by women

Experience Information

Date/Time 31 May, 1750
Medium live
Listening Environment in the company of others, outdoors, in public

Notes

Keening song at Irish funeral


Originally submitted by acusworth on Tue, 23 Jun 2015 12:24:44 +0100
Approved on Fri, 13 Nov 2015 20:47:46 +0000