Before the advent of telephones, let alone computers, the 19th century widowed received messages of support and condolence through calling cards.
We found this interesting information by Stacy Calvert on eHow.com., which we’ve excerpted:
We found this interesting information by Stacy Calvert on eHow.com., which we’ve excerpted:
Calling cards were an important part of Victorian social life, especially among the well-to-do and social-climbing members of the middle class.
Simple and personalized, they carried meaning not conveyed by text, but rather in the way they were physically manipulated before being left at the home of a friend, acquaintance or potential social connection.
If a card was left intact, it meant it had been delivered by a servant; if bent or torn on the top right corner, it signified congratulations. On the top left, a social call. On the bottom left, goodbye. A calling card bent at the bottom right acted as a Victorian-era sympathy card.
A black border on the card meant the caller was in mourning. Popular symbols, such as birds, flowers and hands indicated sentiments, such as friendship and peaceful intentions.
Imagine the confusion if your cards were accidentally folded the wrong way while in your pocket or purse.
