Ladies and gentlemen often wore mourning cockades during the Victorian era as a sign of sympathy for the mourners or as a way to honor the deceased. This elegant black satin and organza rosette has a striking red bow center. Red symbolized the blood of martyrs as well as the blood of Christ in the liturgy of the church. Approximately 2.5" (6 cm) across. Streamers are approximately 3" (7.5 cm) long. Pin back is silver plated and 1" (2.5 cm) wide.
Cockades were often used in history to express a political sentiment. But they were also used as an expression of grief if one was in mourning for someone. Mourning fashions reached their height during the Victorian era. Queen Victoria's husband died young and she stayed in mourning attire the rest of her life. The Civil War brought death to nearly every family in America. Both of these events caused a boom in mourning clothing and accessories.
Red was a liturgical color often used by the church for funerals. It symbolized not only the blood of Christ shed for us, but also the blood of martyrs. Many mourning cockades from the mid-1800s were red and black. This is suitable for either a Confederate or Union impression.
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Heather
Owner
People in the past wore a cockade to tell a story about themselves. I love researching what those stories were and why people wanted to tell them. People today have stories to tell too, so that's what motivates me to keep making cockades! What's your story and how can I help you tell it better?