Superstitions in the Victorian Era

 

Post by Doris McCraw aka Angela Raines

Photo property of the Author

As I am working to finish the book on women doctors buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Colorado Springs, I've come across some interesting superstitions surrounding death and burial. Although these women probably didn't believe in them, some of their patients might have. 

It struck me, that there might be some that other writers and readers might not know of, so I thought I would share, just in case someone might need the information.

So for your use or just because:

1. A dog howling three times- A death has occurred.

2. If a person buried lived a good life, flowers will grow on the grave. If the person was evil, weeds will grow.

3. If three people are photographed together, the one in the middle will die first.

4. Thunder following a funeral means that the dead person's soul has reached heaven.

5. All windows should be opened at the moment of death so that the soul can leave.

6. If you leave something that belongs to you to the deceased, that means the person will come back for you.

7. When you experience a chill up your spine, someone, somewhere has just walked across your future grave site.

8. Never speak ill of the dead because they will come back to haunt you or you will suffer misfortune.

9. When a loved one dies, pour bourbon around the room in little drops to prevent evil spirits from coming into the house.

10. Taking ashes out of a stove after sundown will bring a death in the family.

I found some quite interesting and can see how people might accept them as fact. 

In the meantime, I will continue with the stories of these pioneering women who were medical school graduates who followed their passion to help ease the pain of others. All in the book were practicing prior to 1900. Watch for "Under the Stone", coming soon.

Mock-up of the possible cover

Doris McCraw