The Historical Context of Tear Catchers

Did individuals truly collect their tears in bottles during the Victorian period? This question has sparked numerous discussions, particularly regarding the supposed tear catchers and their actual purpose.

Historical records suggest that the practice of using tear catchers dates back over 3,000 years, with significant use in ancient Rome. These vessels were believed to measure the duration of mourning; once the liquid evaporated, the period of grief would conclude.

During the Victorian era, the fascination with mourning reached new heights. People adorned themselves in black attire for prolonged durations to signify their sorrow. The Victorians are often remembered for their intricate customs surrounding death, which included the use of fragile glass bottles to collect tears. These were commonly referred to as "tear catchers" or "lachrymatories."

As part of the mourning rites, it was customary for mourners to fill small cups with their tears and place them near burial sites as tokens of love and respect. Some women even paid to shed tears into cups while participating in funeral processions. The demand for tear bottles was so significant that they became a sought-after item.

In addition to the Victorians, ancient Egyptians and Romans also employed similar vessels. It was widely believed that the amount of tears shed was indicative of the deceased's importance during their lifetime. According to the Ancient Origins website:

“The more tears collected, the more respected the person was.”

Stories from the American Civil War reveal that some soldiers' wives collected their tears in bottles, saving them until their husbands returned. If a husband died in battle, the widow would scatter her tears on his grave on the first anniversary of his death, marking the end of her mourning.

The Existence and Purpose of Tear Bottles

The debate over whether these glass vessels truly held tears has been ongoing among historians. Many find it hard to accept that individuals would cry into bottles. Skeptics have raised questions about the authenticity of tear bottles, suggesting that scientific analysis indicates they may have been used to store perfumes instead.

The lack of comprehensive scholarly work on tear catchers has fueled skepticism about their actual use and origin. Insufficient documentation allows for a variety of interpretations surrounding their purpose.

On the other hand, the Journal of the Bizarre challenges any claims that tear bottles never existed, arguing that historical evidence supports their significance during the Victorian era.

Despite the division of opinions regarding the historical role of tear catchers, it is clear that these vessels held a notable place in the cultural practices of the time.

Chapter 2: Debunking the Myths

The first video, "The Truth about Victorian TEAR CATCHER!? Are lachrymatory REAL or HOAX? Bottle Tip Treasures!" delves into the myths and facts surrounding tear catchers, examining their historical context and significance.

The second video, "Mourning in a Minute: Victorian 'Lachrymatory' Tear Catchers," provides a brief overview of the cultural implications of these intriguing artifacts.

Sources

Victorian Mourning Rituals: Tear Catchers

The further we both go into our research of the Victorian era, the more we discover objects such as this. I give you…

victorianachronists.wordpress.com

Capturing Scents, Not Tears: Debunking the Myth of Tear Catchers

Victorians are often remembered for their obsession with death and mourning. It is not too surprising to discover that…

www.ancient-origins.net

Setting the record straight about Atlas Obscura's debunking of Victorian 'tear catchers'

A few days ago Atlas Obscura published an article debunking Victorian era "tear catchers"-- glass bottles into which…

www.bizarrejournal.com