Mourning in the Victorian Age

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Mourning was a social obligation when black wardrobes came out, shutters were drawn and anything that even vaguely resembled joy was banished to the attack. And the black had to be matte, lifeless and without any decoration. It was a highly ritualized practice, formalized with an emphasis on social etiquette and outward displays of grief. Jewelry made from the hair of the deceased was a common way to memoralize loved ones. This included lockets, brooches and rings. Half mourning came after an initial period of deep mourning. Victorian funeral rituals included carrying the deceased out of the house feet first and covering mirrors to prevent the spirit from being trapped. Wealthy families might hire professional mourners to ensure a sufficient display of grief at the funeral. Widows were to be in mourning for 2 years. One year for parent and six months for grandparents or siblings. Widows were allowed to wear grey and lavender in the last six months of mourning. The longer the mourning the more virtuous you were. If a woman remarried too soon she was seen as a harlot.