Half Mourning

During the Victorian era, mourning was not only an expression of grief but also a carefully observed social ritual. Fashion played a major role in how a person honored the loss of a loved one, and women in particular were expected to follow very specific stages of dress. The first stage, known as deep mourning, lasted for one year and one day. During this time a widow wore plain black clothing and avoided all social events. The next stage introduced a small return to the world. For six to nine months it became acceptable to add subtle jewelry, gentle embellishments, and the occasional social visit. Many older widows remained in this stage for the rest of their lives, a practice made even more common by Queen Victoria herself as she mourned Prince Albert. The final stage, called half mourning, offered a welcome shift. Women could begin wearing richer fabrics and more expressive jewelry, and soft shades such as grey, white, lavender, and purple signaled a gradual return to society. With