During the Victorian era, an intriguing and concerning trend known as the “air diet” gained popularity among teenagers and young women. This extreme diet essentially involved fasting, often without even consuming water, as the prevailing notion was that respectable ladies should refrain from indulging in food.
Mollie Fancher, one of the well-known “fasting girls” of the era, claimed to have gone without food for an astonishing 14 years. Curiously, some of these girls, including Fancher, asserted that their prolonged fasting endowed them with special magical powers. Astonishingly, the public not only believed these claims but also eagerly embraced and perpetuated the narratives surrounding these extraordinary individuals.
The Freak Show Phenomena
Driven by a morbid curiosity for the macabre and unusual, the Victorian era also saw the rise of freak shows as a popular form of entertainment. Showmen, often referred to as "circus freaks," who possessed various physical or medical abnormalities, would travel around London and rural towns, captivating audiences nationwide.
Among them, P.T. Barnum, the iconic American showman, gained immense fame and recognition as the most successful figure of his time. Fortunately, societal attitudes have evolved, and such exploitative forms of entertainment are no longer prevalent in today's more compassionate and inclusive society.
Victorian Feminism
In the conservative Victorian era, the concept of bloomers was quite radical. Designed to cover the entire leg, even while sitting, they offered a more liberating alternative to the restrictive and voluminous skirts of the time. Some women's rights activists even pushed boundaries further by wearing bloomers as actual pants paired with shorter dresses.
Although they may appear comically oversized to contemporary eyes, in the context of 19th-century England, bloomers represented a daring departure from societal norms and embodied a symbolic shift towards greater comfort and freedom for women.
No Kids Allowed
We've all heard the saying, "Children should be seen and not heard." Can you guess where it came from? Yep, you got it— the Victorian era! Back then, wealthy toddlers didn't spend much time with their parents; nannies were in charge. Kids had to follow strict rules and be on their best behavior all the time. Being well-mannered was a big deal, and staying quiet was super important.
Luckily, people soon realized that children have important things to say too, and things changed for the better! Now, we understand the value of letting children express themselves and be active participants in conversations and decision-making processes. It's a more inclusive and empowering approach that recognizes the unique perspectives and insights that children bring to the table.
The Water Closet
In the Victorian era, access to indoor water closets was a luxury that many wealthy families did not have until around 1870. The water closet's main attraction? The toilet itself! Prior to the industrial revolution, bathroom-related activities were often handled by servants using buckets, which sounds quite inconvenient for all parties involved.
One can only imagine the challenges and discomfort the servants had to manage such tasks. As a result, individuals often relied on sponge baths as a substitute for full bathing, while perfume was used to mask any lingering odors. It's a stark reminder of the stark contrast between modern conveniences and the limitations of the past.