The three postcards shared this week have vintage reproductions from the early 1900s. Since Easter is this coming Sunday, it seemed an appropriate time to share the cards. The cards were all purchased from a local shop, Laughing Elephant, that specializes in reproducing Victorian cards, books and artwork as posters. None of the artists are identified on these cards.
Since the 16th century the of wearing new clothes at Eastern has been an English tradition. An Easter bonnet or Christian head covering was part of the new clothes and was supposed to represent the renewal of the year and the promise of spiritual renewal and redemption. Old hats that had been refurbished were also acceptable as Easter bonnets.
A notion that ill luck would befall someone who did not wear something new at Easter was believed in the 18th and 19th centuries. Some common designs for the bonnets included themes of Spring, bunnies, flowers, and eggs. More modern bonnets for girls are usually white with a wide brim and pastel colored ribbon ties and bows. Often such a bonnet would match a special dress. In the U.K. both boys and girls would decorate bonnets or hats. Easter bonnet decorating competitions for children were held until the 1990s. There are even decorating kits for such a purpose. Today the hats and decorations are purchased especially as Easter bonnets.
Happy Easter!
For more information, see:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_bonnet
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