In Remembrance
Mothers have often clipped baby’s locks to save, and we spend countless fortunes on products and styling, but the idea of working hair into jewelry often repels the modern culture. Not so in an earlier time. Born from the practices of of England’s Queen Victoria, making personal keepsakes such as watch fobs, pins and bracelets from a deceased loved one’s hair was common.
Those who visit R. I. P. – Victorian Mourning Customs at the Center for History in South Bend, Ind. will see a collection of those keepsakes, including a crica- 1870 hair wreath. Victorians had strict rules regarding mourning, which often lasted for months, and late 19th-century clothing reflected the practices. So, representative black bonnets, a mourning cape and black dresses are on view as well.
Rarer items include an 1845 wooden tombstone; coffin plates, small decorative markers that were removed from the coffin and given to the family; and remembrances captured by a new technology at the time, photography.
Love the old photo. Not sure about keeping hair!!!! Ohh my!
The Victorian Mourning Customs at the Center for History sounds like an interesting place to visit for sure
Hi from SpeedyCat
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Jacy Reply:
October 15th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
I must admit that every time I see the old photo, it is still giving me creeps. It is an interesting place to visit. But I can’t stop being scared especially seeing a wreath of hair. How’s that for you “Speedcat”?
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mita aew those dead kids?thats creepy and strange..
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Jacy Reply:
October 15th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
yes, mi lods. those are dead twins i believe. For Victorian Mourning, pictures or photographs of a deceased loved one serves as a substitutes and reminder of the loss. Families who could not afford to commission painted portraits could arrange for a photograph to be taken cheaply and quickly after a death.
hadlok kaha ko mo-open sa akong site momi lods. hehehe! so much for Halloween huh?
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ugh! i find these creepy. Not my cup of tea.
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Jacy Reply:
October 16th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
it is! but it is just timely for Halloween, isn’t it?
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