The people who live behind our back garden, the owners of Binky, had a tremendous 'wake' a few nights ago. They are Travellers (although they live in a house) and their traditions are like my mother's (Irish)
A horse-drawn float decorated with flowers was parked outside and everyone was wearing black. Irish wakes are a huge affair, and the noise went on all night, with a massive bonfire too. Rather a nice send-off for the deceased, but nobody got much sleep!
Little Binky thundered on our back door and I went to see what it was. She was in a very nervous, upset state, so I let her in, much to her utter delight. I gave her chopped, cooked chicken, a sachet of Purina gourmet food in gravy and a small bowl of milk. (Milk isn't really all that good for cats, but as a treat it's all right.)
She purred and purred, and I let her curl up on an armchair in our study.
A few hours later, in the early morning, I let her out and she trundled off back to the Travellers' house.
Peace to the village, peace to Binky and peace to the departed person!