Mourning Traditions during the Victorian Era

The Victorian Era was known for its traditions surrounding death and dying.
  Some of these included:

• Curtains were drawn 
• Clocks stopped at the time of death
• Mirrors were covered with crape or veiling to prevent spirit from getting trapped in the looking glass
• Wreath laurel, yew or boxwood tied with crape or black ribbons were hung on the front door to alert the passerby that a death occurred. 

• "Wake" -- the body was watched at all times until burial
• Keepsakes such as funeral cards, invitations and memorial cards were produced and distributed

•  Relatives would surround the bed of the dying
• Valued the last words of the dying
• Photographs and death masks were produced of the dead
• Houses were filled with mementos