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  There were many premature burials in those times as doctors would often use a mirror to detect breath and if none could be seen, the person was declared dead! That is how the term Wake originated - a body was laid out for three days and if they didn't wake up during that time they figured it was safe for burial! People were terrified of premature burial so elaborate contraptions with balloons or flags on a pole which were affixed to the outside of the coffin and the deceased chest. If the chest rose the balloon or flag would rise. There were also bells which worked in a similar fashion.

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