A vigil (from the Latin vigilia, meaning wakefulness) is a period of purposeful sleeplessness, an occasion for devotional watching, or an observance. It can also be the eve of a religious festival observed by staying awake as a devotional exercise or ritual devotions observed on the eve of a holy day. A vigil is often held when someone is gravely ill or dying. Prayers are said and votives are often made. Vigils extend from eventual death to burial, ritualistically to pray for a loved one, but more practically so they are never alone.
Note to self - One book talks about incenses and candles for the vigilers. Gotta watch the smells and bells mix with the oxygen use. Or we will all go to "kingdom come" together.
No comments:
Post a Comment