Why Are There Dead Birds on Victorian Christmas Cards?

One of the more curious recurring images on 19th-century Christmas cards is the dead bird, which may symbolize mortality, or something more ritualistic.

Why Are There Dead Birds on Victorian Christmas Cards?

Brunel Victorian (@BrunelVictorian) / X

Freaky Christmas cards – Les vilaines curiosités

A Victorian Christmas Card Of Two Birds Looking At A Poster Of A Bag Of Birds For Christmas By English School, Victorian Xmas Cards

A Victorian Christmas Card Of Two Birds Looking At A Poster Of A Bag Of Birds For Christmas By English School, Victorian Xmas Cards

Lasirakentaminen I – Ongelmat linnuille

Christmas Cards Archives - Hyperallergic

Head-scratching Victorian Christmas cards - Recollections Blog

admin – Pagina 20 – Carnet de notes

83 2016 ideas edgar degas artwork, famous ballets, ballet painting

Christmas Cards Archives - Hyperallergic

Freaky Christmas cards – Les vilaines curiosités

Atlas of Victorian Birds - Wikipedia

Antique Images: Free Bird Graphic: Antique Bird Clip Art from Victorian Scraps with Purple Pansies and Sentiment

Antique 9ct Turquoise Swallow Earrings, Victorian Bird Stud Earrings. - Addy's Vintage

Lot 254 - A Large Rare Victorian Taxidermy Bird

Past auction: VICTORIAN TAXIDERMIED BIRD SPECIMENS UNDER GLASS DOME late 19th century