Page:A complete course in dressmaking, (Vol. 1, Introduction) (IA completecoursein01cono).pdf/19

 CORRECT MOURNING

Ideas about mourning have changed in the past few years. Now a person wears mourning or not according to their own inclination. The tendency of the times is to wear lighter mourning, and lessen the periods of mourning. However, a few general suggestions may prove helpful.

The Periods of Mourning: A widow wears mourning from one to two years. You will remember that it was only a little while ago when a widow hesitated to take off mourning in the third year, and our grandmothers can remember when it was a life-time proposition. Another thing which has changed about mourning is what was called third mourning. This has been entirely dispensed with.

The period of mourning is divided in two. That is, if a person is going to wear mourning for a year, the first six months deep mourning is worn and the second six months, second mourning. First mourning is mostly black; second mourning black and white. The old-time third mourning, lavender and gray, isn’t necessary now. When a person leaves off black and white, which is second mourning, they may wear any inconspicuous shade they fancy.

Mourning for parents or a child is usually worn one year. And the same is true for a brother or sister. Nowadays, mourning is not