As a consequence of crying my eyes out over the last couple of days (see Health Diary), I began thinking about lachrymatories, which I knew to be small glass vials used by Victorian mourners to collect their tears. I saw a couple at a flea market or antique store ages ago, but didn't buy one and have not since had an opportunity. When I looked them up just now, I learned on Lachrymatory.com that tear bottles are mentioned in the Old Testament (Psalm 56:6) and were used by the ancient Romans, the Victorians, and Americans during the Civil War. Some companies are reviving the tradition, but I don't think I'll bite.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Lachrymatories
As a consequence of crying my eyes out over the last couple of days (see Health Diary), I began thinking about lachrymatories, which I knew to be small glass vials used by Victorian mourners to collect their tears. I saw a couple at a flea market or antique store ages ago, but didn't buy one and have not since had an opportunity. When I looked them up just now, I learned on Lachrymatory.com that tear bottles are mentioned in the Old Testament (Psalm 56:6) and were used by the ancient Romans, the Victorians, and Americans during the Civil War. Some companies are reviving the tradition, but I don't think I'll bite.
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