Mourning Customs

In the Victorian age death was very common. Death of infants and young children was more common than it is today. Many women died after childbirth. All this death occurred from what are now considered to be minor ailments. Since death happen so much for people in the Victorian age, mourning became a big part of death. There were strict rules set regarding mourning, including clothing, color, and behavior during this time. Mourning customs were clearly defined and followed to as much as finances and circumstances allowed.
Entire families mourned the deceased, even the servants, and most funerals were held at instead of church. The house was usually darkened, crape (cloth) was draped on the front door and after the ceremony. Curtains were drawn and were stopped at the time of death. Mirrors were covered because of lingering superstition that the spirit of the deceased could become trapped in the reflective glass. The body was watched over every moment until burial. The b...