Gambling on wake nights - only in the Philippines?

Gambling during wake period has become a tradition here too. Fo r seven nights the deceased house become a gambling den with a dozen or more organized gambling groups setting up their tables all over the compound and with their bright florescent lights it keeps the crowd of hopefuls growing larger and larger till the wee hours of morning.

Jai, it is not only in your country. Here is also gambling available. Lot of night clubs are available in our country and gambling are quite common in this places. Sad to know that your cousins father don't give importance to her b'day. I think he is addicted with gambling. Convey my regards and b'day wishes to your cousin

I think it is only practiced here in our country since in other place they used to laid the wake in chapel and as we all know gambling is not allowed in chapels. And I don't know also if they allowed the wake to be in their houses like ours.

Hi di There is only one time when Gambling is legit is some parts of India and that is Diwali (Festival of lights) for my family too. I remember when my grandparents were alive, they would invite both their daughters' families and inlaws and would play cards all nights during those 5 days of festival. Even money (though just for formality) was used for bets etc. We kids were not allowed to play with money and stakes but were given a new set of cards to play. Though this is different from what you mention but gambling was legit. And I know even today in the Northern India, there are many who play gambles with cards and other things specially during this festival. And the cops are instructed to ignore the gamblers during this festival.

I don't know if other Asian countries are doing this but I think also, we have the longest wake here. You are right, this makes the wake livelier. I am not really for it but this has been the traditions for generations. Now I wonder who among our conqueror pass that to us.

My dear friend respected jaiho2009, Gambling is one of the oldest and worst traditions. I think you will be aware that MAHABHARAT battle was held in Kurukshetra in India because of gambling. This was one of the world fame battles. It was held 5000 or more years ago. We are going to celebrate a festival DEEPAWALI after few days. It is sad to say that gambling is also a part of this festival. If gambling is going on there I think it is not good for your country. Thanks ^___^ Happy mylotting.

Jai sis, in some families i do came across that they don't mourn for the loss of their beloved one. Instead, they will spend their nights karaoke singing or even do gambling. They said by doing that way, the spirit of the their beloved one will be able to leave with peaceful heart. Seems like, every culture and family have their own way to mourn for the loss one. As for my family, i remembered on the day we loss our grandparents, we are not allowed to even listen to the radio or watch TV. My parents and relatives not allowed us to have any sort of entertainment in our home.

Hello jaiho, My condolences to the bereaved family. Regarding the wake night gambling, it was very common before but recently it is already prohibited. It's nice to be back. :)

Jane beti I am not surprised, a friend in Cebu told me this, here we burn the body, the procedure takes 4-5 hours, we usually sit till body is reduced to ash, i have seen people attending play cards to pass time, we don't have what you call 'wake-nights'; thanks for sharing Hugs from Dada always

I believe I only see "wake-gambling" in the provinces, the rural areas. Well, at least in the wakes I go to. I have never ever witnessed any gambling in the metropolis.

It is an old tradition but for me i find it more meaningful. Not all wakes gathers lot of people to gamble every night. Only those who have many friends or family friends that will most likely to spend the night to play card games or mahjong. I have seen wakes with only family around every night. I think most people will come in your wake if you have done something to make them remember you.

Hi jaiho! Some countries have different religion from us so maybe they also have a different tradition as to how they mourn over their love ones who left this world.

I guess it is our culture to have one.lol

Yes,being a Filipino we are already used into that tradition.I think gambling as you have said is one main help to the bereaved family in terms of financial aspects.Of course after that game, there would be money set aside for the bereaved as a help.It may help also to accompany the bereaved family from that long wake for them to express sympathy.

Oh, that's so sad for your cousin and your family too. My condolences, I see other wakes who rents videoke and sing all night while drinking. I don't know what's the good thing in that idea. Singing "lively" songs too when someone is weeping. But I think it's becoming part of the Filipino tradition.

hi jai, I don't know some culture that practicing this I think it's only in our country miss yah!

I guess this is done in order that those who are at the wake can not go to sleep as they are supposed to be on vigil. I don't know if there are countries that are doing this.

No idea at all, actually this is the first time i am hearing about this one.