After reading Kellen's blog, especially her comments on Lancelot's obsession with his beloved's hair, I couldn't resist posting some pictures of Victorian hair and mourning jewelry. Hair of a loved one has captured romantic fancies for centuries. The first time I saw a piece of hair jewelry it looked very much like the plain necklace pictured here. It was owned by a family member. Imagine wearing a hair necklace, someone else's hair, next to the skin. How close would you have to be to a person to wear his or her hair--intimate?
Narratives and myths featuring hair have captured the imagination of audiences for thousands of years. Samson lost his strength when his hair was cut. Rapunzel had trailing tresses. Finding Guinevere's comb, Lancelot delights in touching pieces of her hair. For Lancelot, there is power in her hair.
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| Hair from St. Therese of Lisieux |
Saving a lock of a loved one's hair might be considered a sentimental gesture. A mother might save a lock of her child's hair along with baby teeth the "Tooth Fairy" overlooked. Celebrity hair clippings sell for high prices at auction. According to the NY Times, a lock of Abraham Lincoln's hair sold for over $38,000. In ancient Christianity, the hair from a saint would be considered a relic--imbued with powers to heal or protect. In recent history a large clump of St Therese of Lisieux hair was saved for posterity (died 1897). What better way to keep a treasure than in a picture frame or crafted into jewelry?
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| Abraham Lincoln's Lock |
Some of pieces of hair jewelry are very elaborate others are simple. Keep a piece of your dearly departed close; have jewelry made from a loved one's hair. Wouldn't Lancelot have taken the hair from his queen's comb and tucked it in a safe place? Romantic love wouldn't allow Lancelot to leave Guinevere's comb or golden hairs behind.
