Vigil

A vigil, from the Latin vigilia meaning 'wakefulness' (Greek: pannychis,[1] παννυχίς or agrypnia[2] ἀγρυπνία),[3] is a period of purposeful sleeplessness, an occasion for devotional watching, or an observance.

[4] Such liturgical vigils usually consist of psalms, prayers and hymns, possibly a sermon or readings from the Holy Fathers, and sometimes periods of silent meditation.

Vigils are also commonly observed on Holy Days in the Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, and Methodist Churches.

In Christianity, especially the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions, a vigil is often held when someone is gravely ill or mourning.

Vigils extend from eventual death to burial, ritualistically to pray for a loved one, but more so their body is never left alone.