The Dutch doed-koecks or 'dead-cakes', marked with the initials of the deceased, introduced into America in the 17th century, were long given to the attendants at funerals in old New York.
Introduced to America in the 17th century, the Dutch doed-koecks or 'dead-cakes', marked by the deceased's initials, were commonly handed out to funeral attendees in old New York.