If you've heard the gathering after a funeral called both a 'repass' and a 'repast,' you're not alone — and you're not wrong either way. Both words refer to the same thing: the meal where family and friends come together after a service to share food, memories, and comfort.
The Short Answer
'Repast' is the dictionary spelling. It's an old word that simply means a meal, and over time it became the traditional term for the meal held after a funeral. 'Repass' is a widely used variation of the same word — you'll see it on funeral programs, church bulletins, and invitations across the country. Whichever one you say or print, everyone will know exactly what you mean.
Where the Word Comes From
Repast comes from the Old French word 'repas,' meaning meal, which traces back to the Latin 'repascere' — to feed again. For centuries, 'repast' could describe any meal. Today the word has almost entirely faded from everyday English except in one context: the gathering after a funeral. That's why many people only ever hear it spoken aloud at services, which is exactly how the second spelling was born.
Why So Many People Say 'Repass'
Spoken quickly, 'repast' sounds nearly identical to 'repass' — and since most of us hear the word long before we ever read it, the spelling followed the sound. In many communities, especially in African American church traditions where the post-funeral meal is a deeply rooted custom, 'repass' is the standard word used on programs and in conversation. It isn't a mistake; it's how living language works. A word passed down out loud for generations naturally takes on the spelling of its sound.
So Which Should You Use?
Use whichever word your family and community use. If you're printing a formal program and want the traditional dictionary form, 'repast' is the safe choice. If everyone in your family has always called it the repass, print 'repass' — no one attending a funeral is going to correct your spelling, and the word itself matters far less than the gathering it describes.
What Happens at a Repast (or Repass)
The repast is held right after the funeral or graveside service, usually lasting two to three hours. Guests arrive at different times, so a buffet-style meal works best. It's a chance for mourners to sit down, eat something comforting, share stories about the person who passed, and support the immediate family. For a full walkthrough of hosting and attending, see our repast etiquette guide.
Hosting a Repast in Monmouth County
At Branches in West Long Branch, we host repast gatherings with the care and flexibility grieving families need. Our repast packages start at $44 per person and include a comfort-focused buffet, a private room, flexible timing, and a staff that handles everything — so your family can simply be together.
