In the beginning of the Victorian era, it wasn’t the cleanest
"George Alfred Walker (1807-1884), whose Gathering from Graveyards, published in 1839, described the horror of broken coffins, exposed corpses, and the stench of decay in vivid and imaginative terms"
He wrote his book on the unhealthy circumstances of the bodies and the area. He convinced his readers that deplorable burial practice and overcrowded graveyards were endangering the health of the nation.
"Edwin Chadwick (1800-1890) was also an important figure in these campaigns for improved sanitary practices and the establishment of cemeteries. Chadwick's work on the royal commission appointed to investigate the archaic Poor Law in the early 1830s led to the reforms in the attempts to rectify poverty."
Edwin Chadwick argued that poverty was the result of disease and sick health. He also said that these problems were exacerbated by environmental filth, including effect on animals and human decomposition. This created toxic gases and liquids that attacked the air and water making it very dangerous.
Back in the Victorian Era, there were certain rules you had to follow for the funeral.
"Persons attending a funeral are not expected to be present much before the hour appointed. Previous to this time it is well for the family of the deceased to take their last view of the remains, and thus avoid confusion"
It is respectful for only the family to see their deceased relative and it helps for only the family to see because it helps people identify who is actually related to the deceased. It also lets them have privacy with the loved one they lost and if people do show up early they are not allowed in. Showing up early to the funeral show really bad manners also.
"Upon the coffin of the infant or young person, to lay a wreath of white flowers, and upon that of a married person a cross of white blossoms. Upon the coffin of a navy or army officer, the hat, epaulets, sash, sword and the flag may be borne;"
In the Victorian Era, they had different types of things to show what the age of who died, their relationship status, and if they served. They did this because it was tradition and because they didn't have funerals with caskets open so it would make it evident of who died.
Since the Victorian Era, funerals and burials have evolved tremendously. In this time zone, it was very different from how it is now.
Credits:
Created with images by alexanpaulo - "cemetery tomb art sculptures" • scrapbookingfanatic - "angel tombstone death" • sayerst - "cemetery grave death" • footloosiety - "Norah yawning"