Why Did Victorians Wear Black

One of the most obvious ways that women displayed mourning was through their clothing. Society expected them to wear only black clothing during this time to symbolize their grief and spiritual darkness. Dresses were made of non-reflective silk or crepe and jet jewelry or pearls could be worn in modest amounts.

Why did people wear black in the Victorian era?

Mourning black In Britain, black is the colour traditionally associated with mourning for the dead. The customs and etiquette expected of men, and especially women, were rigid during much of the Victorian era. The expectations depended on a complex hierarchy of close or distant relationship with the deceased.

How long did Victorian men wear black?

Her response to his death would forever change Victorian mourning clothing and customs. It had been the custom for a widow to wear black for a period of one year; other relatives were in mourning for lesser periods, depending on their relationship to the deceased.