Mudcat Café message #4067640

The Mudcat Café ^TM
Thread #19803 Message #4067640
Posted By: Mo the caller
07-Aug-20 - 02:50 PM
Thread Name: Origins: Coming Home from the Wake/Nellie Milkmaid
Subject: RE: Origins: Coming Home from the Wake/Nellie Milkmaid

I'd never really thought what a 'wake' was in this context.
Seems to refer to a dance in some versions. Would that because you stay awake all night dancing?