Written by Staff Blogger, Vicky
The Victorian Era had some really wild trends.
Jewelry made from the hair of a deceased loved one, anthropomorphic taxidermy, insisting on producing clothing that was destined to kill you, snail water - these things are clearly not for everyone (some shouldn't be for anyone at all!), but there are some things that were popular in the Victorian Era that might be due for a comeback.
Fashion Trend: The Châtelaine
From the French meaning lady of the castle, the châtelaine began as a belt worn by the lady of the house on which she carried all of the castle's keys. Over time, the design of the châtelaine evolved to become a functional piece of jewelry. Made of a central metal clip and a series of chains, châtelaines were certainly an elegant keychain, but could also be customized to keep useful tools like watches, pocket knives, scissors, perfume, foldable opera glasses, mirrors, and more close at hand. Châtelaines were common accessories for both men and women, but it was especially useful for women who did not often have the benefit of pockets as a part of their ensembles.
Here we see a member of the Davison Family in a portrait taken by Halifax-based photographer, William Notman. Attached to this woman's dress is a chain with a ball at the end; additional chains can be seen hidden behind. Although it is hard to tell from this photograph, it is possible that this ball may have been part of a larger châtelaine, and may have contained scent in the form of a solid perfume.
Communication Trend: Flower Language
Whether it is to celebrate a time of joy, or to mourn in a time of sorrow, there's something very special about receiving a bouquet of flowers. This is partially because flowers are not a gift one receives every day, but also because they send a clear message using no words at all. For the Victorians, every flower blossom expressed a specific sentiment, which made every bouquet a letter unto itself. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, "Nearly all Victorian homes had, alongside the Bible, guidebooks for deciphering the language." Some flowers sent messages of love and friendship, others not so much.
For example: if you sent someone purple hyacinth, it would send a message of sadness, or sorrow. Perhaps someone had passed away, or was suffering from an illness. However, if you sent someone a yellow marigold, that was a symbol of jealousy. Perhaps you were jealous of their possessions, their job, or even of the love in their life.
If you sent someone a zinnia flower, it would be an expression of your lasting affection for the person, even if they were far away. Maybe a dear friend had moved away and you wanted to tell them how much you missed them. However, if you sent someone a bouquet of lavender it was a symbol of distrust. Maybe you feared this person was going to betray you and you wanted them to know you were keeping a watchful eye on them.
With just a few flowers, you could tell someone an entire story, including the specifics of your emotions. Is it a little silly? Maybe. But that's part of what makes it fun.
Recreational Trend: Costumed Skating Parties
When winter comes to Nova Scotia, it hits hard. The snow, the wind, the cold: it can be a lot to put up with, so we make the best of it! We go coasting and sledding, we ski and play hockey, and we join friends and family for a casual skate at the local rink or on a freshly frozen pond.
But you know what makes skating more fun?
Costumes.
Like today, skating was regular part of Victorian culture. Victorians often held skating parties where the community would gather and skate together, but every now and then they zhuzhed up the festivities by adding costumes.
Can you imagine the folks from Hal-Con looping around the Emera Oval? I can, and it's magical. (Just don't trip over your capes!)
Communication Trend: Unhinged Greeting Cards
The act of sending cards to friends and family - particularly around holidays like Christmas or Hanukkah, or for birthdays and anniversaries - isn't uncommon, but the style of the cards have gotten a little dull, let's say. But the Victorians: they didn't know the meaning of the word.
This Halloween card is meant to be cute, but it comes across as a little... threatening?
This Victorian Era Easter card asks the question How many babies can rabbits seal inside of an egg? The answer is 22.
This Christmas card from 1880 has a festive greeting. From French it translates to a message of peace, joy, health, and happiness, all brought to you by a mouse riding a lobster.
Merry Christmas! It's frog violence!
We won't even get into Victorian Vinegar Valentines.
Victorians invented the greeting card and honestly there is something to their wild creativity. Bring back the fully weird greeting card!
The Finishing Lines
Some things have been left in the past for a reason. They're outdated. They're boring. They're no longer socially acceptable. But other things... well, maybe the past was on to something? Maybe it's time to try them again.
Sources
A Brief History of the Pocket in Women's Fashion, PieceWork
Carnival, Old Exhibition Rink, Feb. 1899, Nova Scotia Archives
Châtelaine, Antique Jewelry University
Châtelaine, Victoria and Albert Museum
Flower Meanings: The Language of Flowers, Almanac
Halloween Postcards, ca. 1900-1920, The Public Domain Review
Head-scratching Victorian Christmas Cards, Recollections
How to Make a Bay Wreath, Happy Happy Nester
John Davison and Family, Notman Studio Nova Scotia Archives
The Language of Flowers: An Alphabet of Floral Emblems, 187, Public Domain Review
May you have a quite too happy time, Victoria and Albert Museum
The odd world of Victorian Easter Cards, BBC News
Oölogist for the student of birds, their nests and eggs, Frank Lattin, pg 156, Internet Archive
Purple Hyacinth, Metro Flower Market
Shock of the Old: 11 Murderous and Macabre Victorian Christmas Cards, The Guardian
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