The Weirdest Trends From the Victorian Era

The Victorian Era, spanning from 1837 to 1901, was known for its strict social codes and rigid etiquette. However, beneath the surface of propriety, there were some truly bizarre trends that emerged during this period. From peculiar fashion choices to unusual pastimes, the Victorian Era witnessed a range of weird and fascinating trends. And today, we’re going to look at five of them. Let’s dive in. 

1. The Bustle Craze

One of the most peculiar fashion trends of the Victorian Era was the bustle. A bustle was a device worn under a woman's skirt to create a pronounced posterior. The size and shape of the bustle varied, ranging from modest padding to extravagant wire structures that protruded dramatically. The bustle was meant to enhance the appearance of a small waist and create an exaggerated hourglass figure. The craze reached its peak in the 1870s and 1880s, with women wearing intricate and elaborate bustle contraptions. The popularity of the bustle led to the emergence of various styles, including the waterfall bustle and the lobster tail bustle. While the bustle was a symbol of high fashion and femininity, it often hindered mobility and comfort. 

2. Memento Mori Photography

In the Victorian Era, death was a prevalent theme, and mourning rituals were highly ritualized. One of the strangest trends associated with mourning was the practice of memento mori photography. Memento mori, which translates to "remember you must die," involved taking photographs of deceased loved ones, often posed as if they were alive. These photographs captured a moment to remember the deceased and served as a tangible reminder of mortality. Memento mori photography was a way for families to cope with loss and to commemorate their loved ones. The photographs were often elaborate and meticulously staged, with the deceased dressed in their finest clothes and surrounded by symbolic objects. While this trend may seem macabre by modern standards, it was a common practice during the Victorian Era.  

3. Silhouette Portraits

Silhouette portraits gained popularity in the Victorian Era as a more affordable alternative to traditional painted portraits. Silhouettes were created by tracing the outline of a person's profile onto paper or another medium. The resulting black-and-white image captured the basic shape and features of the individual, creating a simplified representation. Silhouette portraits became a popular way to capture the likeness of family members, friends, and even pets. They were often displayed in ornate frames or incorporated into decorative objects. Silhouettes were considered a fashionable and accessible form of portraiture, but they also had a touch of whimsy and charm. 

4. Nosegay Bouquets

Nosegay bouquets, also known as tussie-mussies, were small floral arrangements carried by both men and women during the Victorian Era. These bouquets consisted of carefully selected flowers and herbs, each with its own symbolic meaning. The Victorian language of flowers, known as floriography, assigned specific sentiments to different blooms, allowing individuals to convey messages through their choice of nosegay. They served both practical and symbolic purposes. In addition to providing a pleasant fragrance, they were believed to ward off unpleasant odors and protect against diseases. The act of carrying a nosegay also reflected the Victorian emphasis on etiquette and refinement. The size and intricacy of the bouquet varied depending on the occasion, with more elaborate nosegays reserved for formal events. 

5. Seance and Spiritualism

During the Victorian Era, there was a surge of interest in the supernatural, leading to the popularity of seances and spiritualism. Spiritualism was a belief system centered around communication with the spirit world. Seances, conducted by mediums, involved gathering in a dimly lit room and attempting to make contact with departed spirits. Seances became a social event and a form of entertainment for the upper classes. Participants would sit around a table and engage in various rituals, such as holding hands, chanting, and using spirit boards or Ouija boards. While skeptics criticized spiritualism as a fraudulent practice, it remained a significant cultural phenomenon in the Victorian Era.