Posted on 05/13/2019 4:19:44 PM PDT by NRx
BEFORE THE FUNERAL:
The manner of caring for the dead is growing gradually into a closer imitation of life, and we see the dear ones now lying in that peaceful repose which gives hope to those who view them. No longer does the gruesome and chilling shroud enwrap the form. The garments worn in life have taken its place, and men and women are dressed as in life. It gives a feeling of comfort to see them thus, for it imparts a natural look which could never accompany the shroud. Flowers are strewn about the placid face, and one cannot but remember those grand lines from Bryant:
"He wraps the drapery of his couch about him, And lies down to pleasant dreams."
WATCHING THE DEAD:
It is no longer the custom to watch the dead — an excellent omission, for many of those vigils were unseemly in their mirth. Some friend or relative sits up in order to give the dead any attention necessary. The preparation of the deceased is always attended to by some kindly friends who are not members of the family, and that agonizing duty is spared the afflicted ones. It is more thoughtful for someone to volunteer to remain with the family, through the long sad night hours. It makes the grief and loneliness of the house less oppressive.
CRAPE ON THE DOOR:
"Ring the bell softly, There's crape on the door."
Black crape tied with white ribbon is placed upon the door or bell knob, as an indication that the dread visitor has entered the home, and borne away another prize. This should deter the caller from ringing, if it is possible to bring the attendant to the door without doing so. No one knows save those who have passed through a sorrow, how the clang of a bell, with its noisy reminder of active life, jars upon the nerves. In many houses, the hall door is left ajar, that friends may enter quietly. The kindly instincts of the heart tell them to speak softly, and be helpful and sympathetic. White crape looped with white ribbon is appropriate for a child or young person. For the aged, black crape and black ribbon are used.
[Read the rest at the linked website.]
It was a time of only marginal science-based innovation. And because very little was known about the risks from chemicals, often the reaction to them was strong, but confused.
For example, adding copper compounds to canned peas and beans to make them greener.
(shortened link in case above link is broken)
Public hygiene taught in schools didn’t make a serious appearance until WWII. So while doctors knew of such, the public were often superstition driven.
Major health advances came from the use of carbolic acid (phenol) antiseptic, the widespread building of rural outhouses, efforts at mosquito abatement, and the Pure Food and Drug Act, after the publication of Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle, which exposed the gross nature of the meat industry.
LOL...not exactly; however, Bram Stoker brought back the Gothic novel and romanticized it some, so there WAS a Victorian “craze” for vampires...DRACULA...you know. :-)
Thanks for the info re Europe; I wasn't sure if it had been the custom there as well.
Sounds like a great class and yes, we are truly lucky to be here in the first place. :)
Thank you so much!
Awesome...
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