5 Creepy Victorian Customs
In the heart of Louisville, Kentucky, lies the country's largest intact Victorian neighborhood, waiting to be explored. Stepping back in time to the Victorian era, visitors of Gateway Tours will uncover a world filled with innovation, progress, and some truly creepy customs and beliefs. As we wander through the streets of this historic neighborhood, let's unearth five eerie facts from Victorian culture that will send chills down your spine.
Mentalist Daniel Cullen at the Nevermore. Photo by Chris Humphreys.
1. Memento Mori Photography: The Victorians had a unique way of commemorating their departed loved ones through memento mori photography. Families would pose with their deceased relatives, creating haunting images that served as a lasting memory. These photographs, often the only ones families had of their departed kin, capture a chilling glimpse into the Victorian fascination with death.
2. Post-mortem Hair Jewelry: This one is as gross as it sounds. Mourning jewelry made from the hair of deceased loved ones was a common practice in the Victorian era. Intricately woven or braided, these pieces were worn as a tribute to the departed. Some even contained hidden compartments for holding mementos, adding an eerie touch to the Victorian mourning rituals.
3. Spiritualism and Seances: The Victorians had a deep interest in the supernatural, leading to the rise of spiritualism and seances. People believed they could communicate with the dead through mediums and Ouija boards, making seances a popular form of entertainment. Join us on our Halloween tour on October 25th and 26th to uncover the secrets of Victorian spiritualism and the world beyond. Tickets are open to the public on October 1.
4. Victorian Mourning Rituals: Death was a somber affair in Victorian culture, with elaborate mourning rituals and strict etiquette surrounding the grieving process. Women were expected to wear black mourning clothes for extended periods, while families held elaborate funerals and memorials. Victorian mourning traditions were shaped by Queen Victoria herself. She went into mourning after the death of her beloved husband, Albert, for 40 years. Learn more about these customs that shaped the era during one of our historic walking tours.
5. The Fear of Being Buried Alive: One of the most chilling aspects of Victorian culture was the fear of being buried alive. With medical knowledge still developing, and multiple pandemics that raged through major cities, many feared being mistakenly pronounced dead and buried prematurely. Some went to extreme lengths, requesting to be buried with a bell above ground to ring for help if they woke up in their coffin.
There are many other customs we could add to this list, but these five take the cake for us. Want to learn even more about the customs and beliefs that prevailed during this fascinating time? Join us on a walking tour through the country’s largest intact Victorian neighborhood and immerse yourself in the eerie world of Victorian culture. Here at Gateway Tours, we want to welcome you to uncover the darker side of history and explore the spine-tingling customs and beliefs of the Victorian era. Book your tour today and prepare to be transported back in time to a world where the line between the living and the dead was still blurred.
