Death and Funerals in the late 17th Century
Here a pretty baby lies
Sung asleep with lullabies;
Pray be silent, and not stir
Th'easy earth that covers him.
-- Robert Herrick, Upon a Child. (Robert Herrick (baptized August 24, 1591- October 1674) was a 17th century English poet. This quote is poem about the death of a young child. Though written over three centuries ago, the feelings it evokes are still current.)
Most of us don't take the time to even think about death or the customs that we've incorporated into our 21st Century lives. But where did they start and why do we do the things we do for the passing of a love one. Most of our modern day practices started at the end of the 17th Century.
First, there is the "Undertaker". The name itself pretty much says it all. This man would 'under take' all tasks associated with preparing the dearly departed for his final send off. Everything from working with the parish to making sure the family and servants were dressed properly.
Items such as mourning rings were worn to remember one's own mortality, not just for remembering the loss of a loved one.
Mourning Ring - Late 17th Century
Late 1660s Mourning Attire
