Top 10 Bizarre Traditions of the Victorian Era

The Victorian era, spanning from 1837 to 1901, was a time of significant change and innovation in England. Known for its strict social norms and values, it was also a period marked by a fascination with the unusual and the macabre. From peculiar mourning customs to eccentric entertainment, the traditions of the Victorian period can seem quite bewildering to modern eyes. Here, we explore ten of the weirdest traditions from this intriguing epoch.

1. Mourning Jewelry

One of the most peculiar traditions during the Victorian era was the creation and wearing of mourning jewelry. Upon the death of a loved one, it was common for people to wear jewelry made from the hair of the deceased. Lockets containing hair or engraved with their likeness served as a lasting memory while publicly displaying one’s grief. Black was the color of mourning, and many would wear jet or other dark stones to symbolize their sorrow.

2. Post-Mortem Photography

In an age when photography was still relatively new, many Victorian families engaged in post-mortem photography, capturing images of their deceased loved ones. It was considered a way to honor the dead, often portraying them in a peaceful pose, sometimes even propped up to resemble sleep. Families would dress the deceased in their finest clothes, making the photographs resemble a macabre mix of art and memorial.

3. The “Blue Blood” Society

The Victorian era was obsessed with class, and one of the oddest traditions that stemmed from this obsession was the idea of “blue blood.” This term referred to noble or aristocratic lineage, supposedly signifying purity and exclusivity. To flaunt their status, some aristocrats claimed their blood was bluer than that of commoners. This bizarre distinction even influenced the practice of creating a “blue book,” a directory of highborn individuals, further entrenching class disparities.

4. Theatrical Mourning

Rather than expressing grief privately, some Victorians took to the stage to mourn their loved ones. The phenomenon known as “theatrical mourning” involved hosting public events or plays in remembrance of the deceased, complete with dramatic performances that showcased the tragedy of loss. These performances served as a cathartic experience both for the mourners and for the audience, blurring the line between genuine grief and spectacle.

5. The Custom of “Wakes”

Victorian wakes took on a life of their own. These gatherings were held to celebrate the life of the deceased, and attendees often shared stories, drank alcohol, and even danced. This practice was sometimes extended into the night, with the deceased lying in the center of the room—a ritual that seems starkly unusual in comparison to modern funeral customs, which often emphasize solemnity and quiet reflection.

6. Women in Black

During mourning periods, women were expected to don black attire as a sign of their grief. However, some went to extremes, wearing extravagant black dresses adorned with veils, gloves, and jewelry. This tradition created a very distinct fashion statement that lasted through different stages of mourning. The excessive attire even inspired its own subculture and sparked debates about fashion versus genuine grief, creating somewhat of a theatrical presentation in mourning.

7. The Use of “Death Masks”

Death masks were another strange yet fascinating custom of the Victorian era. After a person’s death, a mold of their face would be taken, creating a “mask” to memorialize them. These masks served both as keepsakes for the bereaved and as artistic endeavors. They were often elaborately displayed in homes or salons, becoming a peculiar form of remembrance that blurred the line between art and mortality.

8. Spiritualism and Séances

The Victorian fascination with the afterlife led to a surge in spiritualism. Many individuals, grieving their lost loved ones, sought solace through séances where they attempted to communicate with spirits using mediums. These gatherings were often filled with theatrical elements such as dim lights, eerie music, and even levitation tricks. The era’s obsession with the supernatural sparked a whole new realm of entertainment and beliefs that captivated society.

9. The “Death of the Firstborn”

The belief that the death of a firstborn child brought misfortune to a family gave rise to the somewhat unsettling tradition of burying firstborns in the local churchyard, often in unmarked graves. It was said that this practice would prevent further deaths in the family. This bizarre belief reflected the intense anxiety surrounding child mortality rates and the desire to protect surviving siblings from further tragedy, albeit in a macabre fashion.

10. The “Fainting Couch”

Fashion and societal pressures often led Victorian women to adopt impractical clothing, such as corsets that constricted their breathing. As a result, fainting became common—and acceptable. Homes featured “fainting couches” designed specifically for women to collapse onto when feeling overwhelmed or unwell. The fainting couch symbolizes the absurdity of gender expectations during this era, as it encouraged a kind of melodramatic femininity that persisted in Victorian culture.