Existing comment:
Mourning Brooch
Few Virginians escaped the tragic loss of a friend or loved one.
Mourning traditions in the nineteenth century centered primarily on women. Full mourning, a period of a year and one day, was represented with black clothing and veiled face. Mourning jewelry, such as this brooch, could be worn during the following nine months of second mourning and six months of half mourning before color was gradually reintroduced into the wardrobe. |