vigils

Vigil is a period of purposeful wakefulness undertaken for a specific purpose, such as prayer, reflection, mourning, or solidarity. The term comes from the Latin vigilia, meaning wakefulness or watch, and has been used in religious and secular contexts to denote an attentive or watchful state.

In Christian liturgy, a vigil is often the eve of a feast or a time set aside for prayer and anticipation. The most well-known examples are Christmas Eve (the Vigil of Christmas) and the Easter Vigil. Vigils may include prayers, readings, hymns, and candlelight ceremonies, and they vary by denomination.

Vigils are also held as memorials or acts of solidarity. Community members gather to remember victims of disasters or violence, often with candles, flowers, and moments of silence. Political or social groups may organize peaceful vigils to protest or draw attention to an issue. Hospitals, families, or caregivers may hold vigils at the bedside to accompany a dying person or to support a hospitalized patient and their loved ones.

Common features across vigils include quietness, reflection, ritual elements (such as candles or prayers), and a shared sense of presence. While often peaceful and solemn, vigils can also be spontaneous expressions of support or remembrance in response to current events.