KEENING Meaning and
Definition
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Keening is a term that is primarily used to describe a vocal expression of grief or sorrow, most notably associated with mourning ceremonies and funeral rites. It refers to a traditional lamentation practice, particularly in Celtic cultures, where individuals or a group of mourners vocally express their anguish and sorrow for the deceased. The act of keening is characterized by a wailing, high-pitched, and melancholic vocalization that aims to both convey and intensify the sense of grief.
Keening is often executed by women, designated mourners, or professional keeners who possess the necessary vocal expertise and emotional sensitivity. It is a highly ritualized and structured form of mourning, sometimes accompanied by specific gestures such as rocking back and forth or beating the chest. The keening process not only allows the grieving party to externalize their sorrow and pain, but also serves as a way to honor the deceased and evoke a collective catharsis among those present at the ceremony.
Beyond funeral ceremonies, keening can also refer to a general expression of intense sorrow or lamentation. In this context, it encompasses the broader spectrum of vocalized grief, irrespective of cultural or ceremonial associations. Keening can function as a deeply emotional and cathartic release for individuals mourning the loss of a loved one and contribute to the healing process by acknowledging and validating their sorrow.
Common Misspellings for KEENING
Etymology of KEENING
The word "keening" is derived from the Middle English term "kane", which means "to cry mournfully". This Middle English term is believed to have its origins in the Old English word "ceanian", meaning "to lament" or "to weep". The word "keening" is closely associated with the traditional Irish and Scottish practice of "keening" or "caoineadh", which refers to the traditional funeral wailing or mourning. It has since become a broader term, more generally describing the act of expressing grief or mourning through a mournful cry or wail.
Similar spelling words for KEENING
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