In the Victorian era, physical beauty held great significance among the upper echelons of high society. Similar to contemporary times, individuals with considerable wealth and leisure time dedicated significant effort to self-care. Men of the upper class engaged in bodybuilding, while women sought to maintain their figures using what were then considered cutting-edge exercise contraptions.
Countless fad diets and workout trends emerged during this period, catering to the beauty aspirations of the elite. Astonishingly, there were nearly 200 gyms scattered across Europe at that time, a testament to the importance placed on physical well-being. Although by today’s standards, this might seem commonplace, during the Victorian era, these pursuits were exclusive to the privileged few, adding to their sense of elitism.
No Makeup
During the Victorian era, adherence to strict societal norms governed the behaviors of high-society women, including their approach to makeup. It was deemed inappropriate for refined ladies to wear any cosmetic enhancement. The use of makeup was associated with women of a different profession, leading to a stigmatized perception. Lipstick, in particular, was considered suspicious, as its allure was considered bewitching and potentially manipulative to men.
Instead, cultured women seeking a touch of color would resort to more acceptable means. Some daring individuals might resort to pinching their cheeks or discreetly applying a hint of rouge, cautiously exploring their risqué side while still conforming to the era's restrictive beauty standards.
Shocking Effects
In the 19th century, electrotherapy, also known as shock therapy, gained popularity as a treatment for various ailments across the United Kingdom. It was believed that this "advanced technology" could rid the patient's system of ailments ranging from gout and liver problems to arthritis. The approach involved subjecting the body to electric shocks in the hope of purging the perceived negative elements.
While shock therapy still finds application in certain specific cases today, it is safe to assume that the methods employed during that era were far from subtle. Moreover, the efficacy of such treatments for liver problems was questionable at best. As medical understanding has evolved, more refined and targeted approaches have replaced the indiscriminate use of shock therapy.
The Era of Inventions
The late 19th century witnessed remarkable strides in technological advancements. In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell revolutionized communication with the invention of the telephone, while Guglielmo Marconi's creation of the radio in 1895 opened up new avenues of wireless transmission. The period also witnessed the emergence of transformative inventions such as the television, the train, the camera, and the vacuum cleaner.
Among these remarkable innovations, one stood out as particularly invaluable—the toilet. This essential invention vastly improved sanitation and hygiene standards, contributing to public health and comfort. The industrial ingenuity of the era propelled England into a state of profound transformation, as these inventions shaped and reshaped society, marking a defining period in history.
The Business of Mourning
In Victorian England, the expression of grief became a significant affair, far surpassing the mere shedding of tears. Women, in particular, embraced preserving their sorrowful emotions by collecting tears in intricately crafted jewelry boxes or bottles adorned with somber black gemstones. Being mourned was of utmost importance, and the idea that no one would shed tears for the departed was simply inconceivable.
Remarkably, even unmarried men took measures to ensure their lamented passing, hiring professional wailers who would weep in mournful display at their gravestones. These elaborate mourning rituals reflected a society deeply entrenched in the customs and rituals surrounding grief, illustrating the profound significance attributed to remembrance and the expression of sorrow during the Victorian era.