The Victorian era is often romanticized as a time of elegance and decorum, but it harbored some peculiar traditions, especially around death and funerals. These customs not only highlight the era's unique approach to death but also have surprising connections to contemporary pop culture. Let's dive into the strange world of Victorian funerals and unveil their unexpected modern-day echoes.
**Dead Ringers and Safety Coffins**
In the 19th century, there was a prevailing fear of being buried alive, leading to the invention of 'safety coffins.' These contraptions often featured a small bell or a tube connected to a surface device, such as a flag. If a mistakenly buried person awoke, they could ring the bell or raise the flag to alert the living. This concept has bizarrely influenced today's horror genre, such as in films where characters narrowly escape premature burial, showcasing our undying fascination with this grim but captivating concept.
**Memento Mori Photography**
Photographs of deceased loved ones were a common practice in the Victorian era. Families would dress their departed in their finest attire, and pose them as if they were still alive. These photographs, known as 'memento mori' (reminders of death), served as a way to remember and honor the dead. The eerie beauty of these images can still be seen influencing modern Gothic art, fashion photography, and even certain music video aesthetics.
**Mourning Portraits and Fashion**
Victorian mourning customs were elaborate, encompassing strict dress codes. Widows, for example, would wear black dresses for up to four years. This tradition of mourning attire has trickled down into today’s fashion industry, visible in the enduring popularity of the 'little black dress' and even in the thematic collections of some high-fashion designers, who use the somber elegance of Victorian mourning clothes as inspiration.
**Hair Jewelry and Art**
Victorians often used the hair of deceased loved ones to create intricate jewelry or art pieces. Lockets containing woven hair or brooches adorned with hair designs were tokens of remembrance. This practice has found a strange, yet touching, resurgence in modern DIY culture and artisan jewelers who create personalized keepsakes, thereby keeping the Victorian sentiment of cherishing physical remnants of loved ones alive.
**Funeral Processions and Modern Ceremonies**
Victorian funeral processions were grand, with horse-drawn carriages, lavish floral arrangements, and large gatherings of mourners. Today’s celebrity funerals often mirror these elaborate displays, from the attendance of public figures to the extensive media coverage, echoing the public fanfare of a bygone era. The elaborate ceremonies of the Victorians have undoubtedly set a precedent for how we celebrate the lives of those we lose today.
In conclusion, while Victorian funeral customs might seem strange by modern standards, they provide a fascinating lens through which we can view and understand our own contemporary practices and pop culture influences. This enduring connection serves as a reminder that even in death, our histories and cultures remain beautifully intertwined.
The bizarre connection between Victorian funerals and modern-day pop culture
