The correct spelling of the phrase "laying away" is /leɪɪŋ əˈweɪ/. The word "laying" (pronounced /leɪɪŋ/) is the present participle of the verb "lay," which means to place or set something down. The second word, "away" (pronounced /əˈweɪ/), means at a distance, and is often used in idiomatic expressions to mean putting something aside or in storage. Therefore, "laying away" refers to the action of putting something aside or in storage by placing it down at a distance.
"Laying away" refers to the act of burying or interring a deceased person. It is a colloquial term primarily used in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and certain African American communities within the United States.
The phrase originated from the custom of preparing and burying a deceased individual. It often includes various funeral rites and rituals, such as embalming, preparing the body for viewing, holding a wake or visitation, and ultimately conducting a burial ceremony. The process of "laying away" a person's body is a way to show respect and honor to the deceased, providing closure for their loved ones and community members.
"Laying away" typically involves a collaboration between funeral home professionals, family members, and religious leaders to ensure the proper handling and respectful disposition of the deceased individual. This term is particularly significant in African American communities, where funeral ceremonies often hold a great cultural and communal importance.
Laying away can also involve other cultural or religious customs, such as specific prayers, singing hymns, or offering eulogies. The phrase conveys the deeply rooted and cherished practices and values associated with death and mourning within these communities.
Overall, "laying away" encompasses the comprehensive process of preparing and burying a deceased person, reflecting the cultural, emotional, and religious aspects involved in honoring and remembering the departed.
The term "laying away" typically refers to the act of placing a deceased person's body in a final resting place, such as a tomb or a grave. However, it is not a common phrase or idiom in English. Thus, it does not have a specific etymology. Instead, the phrase can be understood by looking at the meanings of its constituent words:
1. Laying: This is the present participle of the verb "lay", which means to put or set something down in a flat or horizontal position. In the context of laying away a deceased person, it would refer to placing the body in its final resting place.
2. Away: This is an adverb used to indicate movement or action in a distance or direction from a particular place. In the case of laying away a deceased person, it suggests the movement of the body being placed farther, in a final resting place that is separate from the living.