During the Victorian era, mirrors played a significant role in funeral rituals, accompanied by superstitions and beliefs. Covering or turning mirrors to the wall during mourning was a common practice with deep-rooted meaning.
1. Mirrors as Gateways: Victorians believed mirrors held a
spiritual connection, reflecting more than just physical appearances. They were
considered gateways between the living and the deceased, capturing and
reflecting a person's essence.
2. Superstition of Covering Mirrors: To prevent the departed
soul from becoming trapped or haunting the living, mirrors were covered or turned during
mourning in the home. This practice aimed to safeguard against any potential harm to the deceased person's spirit or to the living.
3. A Horrible Realization: It was also believed in some cultures, that if the deceased saw a reflection of themselves in the glass, they would become horrified that they had become a ghost.
4. Mirrors in the Death Chamber: In the room where a person
passed away, mirrors were often covered with a white cloth. This act ensured a
smooth transition for the deceased person's spirit into the afterlife,
preventing any potential entrapment. This may also have included pictures.
Mirrors held great significance in Victorian
funerals and in death, symbolizing the connection between the living and the departed. The
practice of covering mirrors during mourning reflected the superstitions and
beliefs of the era. Understanding these customs provides insight into the
Victorian fascination with the afterlife and their complex views on death and
the supernatural.
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