A Scottish term for a funeral feast or the celebration held after a funeral; also the money or refreshments provided at such a gathering.
From Middle English/Scots, possibly from Old Norse 'arfr' (inheritance) or related to 'arval' (relating to fields), suggesting a meal connected to death rituals or inheritance customs.
Scottish arvels were serious business—the quality of the feast reflected how much the community respected the deceased, so families saved money all year for good whisky and herring.
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