🖤 SÉCULO 19 : os exageros e loucuras pelo luto na Era Vitoriana | parte 1

Victorian Mourning Customs

Overview of Victorian Mourning Practices

• The Victorian era was marked by unique and strict mourning customs, reflecting society's deep respect for death and loss.

• Death was a significant event, leading to public displays of grief; the mourning period was considered essential in honoring deceased loved ones.

• The use of black clothing was mandatory during mourning, with specific durations based on the relationship to the deceased: six months for a brother and at least two and a half years for a husband.

Stages of Mourning

Heavy Mourning

• Women entered a "heavy mourning" phase immediately after a loved one's death, requiring them to wear deep black attire without any color or adornments.

• During this phase, women were expected to cover their arms completely and avoid jewelry; only accessories made from black stones like jet were permitted.

• Social participation was severely restricted; widows could only attend Sunday mass and were discouraged from cutting their hair.

Ordinary Mourning

• After heavy mourning, women transitioned into "ordinary mourning," which allowed slight variations in dress such as showing some skin on the arms and neckline.

• In this stage, wearing white fabric alongside black became acceptable, along with limited use of jewelry featuring black stones. This phase typically lasted around nine months.

Half Mourning

• As time progressed (around two years post-death), widows could enter "half mourning," where brighter fabrics like silk or velvet were allowed along with shades of purple or gray.

• Gradual reintroduction of colors began after two to five years post-loss, starting with lighter shades before returning to normal attire.

Special Considerations in Mourning Attire

Nightwear Regulations

• Widows had specific rules regarding nightwear; they wore light-colored garments while sleeping as it was believed that wearing black could attract death into the home.

Mementos and Jewelry

• Widows often wore memento jewelry made from their deceased husband's hair or other personal items as keepsakes. These pieces held significant emotional value.

Unique Cases: Widowed Brides

• A notable aspect of Victorian customs involved young widows remarrying soon after entering ordinary mourning. They would temporarily shed their mourning attire for weddings but return to it afterward.

Men's Mourning Customs

Funeral Processions in the 19th Century

Customs Surrounding Funeral Processions

• The funeral procession was a common practice during the 19th century, where mourners would walk to the cemetery, regardless of distance.

• It was customary for attendees to wear black clothing and show respect by turning their backs or lowering their heads as the procession passed.

• Family members typically carried the coffin, often requiring a rotation due to the length of the journey.

• During the procession, someone would lead prayers aloud, with others following in unison.