As time passes on the traditions of our families, our loved ones, friends and our culture continue to live on . Yesterdays timeless traditions and beliefs are unconquerable. The United States was built on a rock of solid values where families had the right to exercise their freedom to do what was right under God's law. The precious traditions that have been handed down from the Victorians to our own era still remain ever cherished and valued. Here we will look at some of the traditions, practices and beliefs during the 19th century that helped make the Victorian Era what it was. From the precious teachings between a mother and a daughter, to a man and his son, we'll see the essence of what the Victorians were all about, among the wealthy, middle class and the poor.
The Lower, Middle and Upper Class Women
Women of the 19th century worked hard and suffered diligently to see to it that her children had been raised correctly. Her home was her domain of influence and her power and authority was exercised there. Each family was large and averaged 6 children per family. The age that most women married was age 23. In lower class families little girls woke up early to practice what mommy had taught them. They kneaded the dough for bread or buscuits, washed and ironed laundry, sewed hems, mended clothes made pillows, prepared food and help take care of the baby. Then these young girls would go to school. It was in 1850 that highschool was made available to girls. And even at times in many schools the girls out numbered the boys. The point being made is that girls not only used their heart and hands but their minds as well. Their first teacher was their mothers. Teaching things that only mothers could teach. Many mothers were strict and expected much work from their daughters. But love was given just the same.
Among the the middle and upper class families most girls were to be married and sheltered in her home. The importance of inheritance through marriage remained a factor in these ladies lives. Keeping up with appearances and maintaining a good social standing continued to be a daily routine for these women. Young girls were taught etiquette and how to conduct themselves in the presence of others. Some marriages of convenience were arranged. These mothers, in particular, might have tried preparing her daughter for this marriage early on knowing how important it was to provide a future for her daughter. It was done out of love, necessity and the hope to provide a financial security to maintain good social standings.
Boys to Men
Young boys of the working class and middle class had a life unlike a lad being raised as a gentleman. Their fathers reared them strictly, teaching their sons' traditions and beliefs passed down by their own fathers. The work ethic was instilled early in the young boy's life. Many boys worked hard labor in factories and had little schooling. Other boys were farmers with their fathers. But school, later became, important in the lives of all young boys. A gentleman's son was raised to inherit not only family wealth but a good standing among socialites. He was not regarded highly if he did not maintain good behavior, keep good company, practice etiquette and manners with ladies and gentleman alike. In a sense, a young gentleman's life had it's hardships as any young lads. For he had to strive daily to live up to high expectations of his parents, his peers and then his own family. In years to come boys of all classes soon began to train in school far more than had they in earlier Victorian times.
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