This afternoon I had the wonderful opportunity to learn a bit about the practice keening from an Irish woman named Mary McLaughlin. It was though a Virtual Celtic Pilgrimage I am taking through Abbey of the Arts.
Keening is done with a trained voice of lament when a person dies. Not long ago, there were individuals in communities who were appointed and trained from a young age. Sometimes confused with the wailings of the banshee from Irish lore, keeners had very melodic voices.
One thing, amongst many, that has really stuck with me is the reason the practice of keening is not common today. Apparently the church was not too “keen” on the importance placed on keeners during the rites of death. For reasons of power or maybe even the small monetary or gift exchange, it was decided that Priests should perform the rite.
That knowledge shed a little different light for me on what was happening in Europe where people were paid to say the rosary for people. I have always thought that monetary exchange to be a terrible misuse of prayer and not “right.” Well. What if there were people who considered praying for others their calling and place in this world. Did the church stop the practice because the wanted the power or monetary exchange for that service? I do not know the actual answer to that, but learning about what went on with keeners in Ireland, I am looking at it again a bit differently.
Considering our funerals today, I know that many times the musicians are paid for their time. It is making me think. Then, as a search for a possible photo to use in this post, i come across the vigil lights i lit when we we visited a little church in Ireland a few years ago. Yes, I put my money in the little box for them.
One of my favorite quotes is “what you think might not be the truth.” I am not sure if it is attributed to anyone, but I find it true in so many circumstances over and over again. It have made me much more open to different possibilities. Another saying is “God is much more than I think God is.” It leaves so many more questions than answers, but that makes life so much more adventurous!
