Mourning Clothing

 

Val Wilson, Digital Art

During the Victorian era, mourning attire played a significant role in society, reflecting the period's intricate rituals surrounding death and bereavement. Mourning clothing, particularly for women, was characterized by its somber and austere appearance. In the initial stages of mourning, known as "deep mourning," women wore garments made of dull black crepe, devoid of any ornamentation or shine. As the mourning period progressed, they transitioned to "second mourning," where they could introduce slight embellishments and fabrics with a softer texture, like silk. Finally, in "half-mourning," muted colors like grey and lavender were permissible. The strict adherence to these mourning stages was not merely a fashion statement but symbolized the depth of one's grief and respect for the deceased. It also served as a visual cue for society, indicating the mourner's emotional state and the appropriateness of certain social interactions. The elaborate mourning rituals and attire of the Victorian era underscored the era's complex attitudes towards death, grief, and societal expectations.